Importing and Selling Second-Hand Clothes in Kenya (Mitumba Business)
Business Overview:
The second-hand clothes market, known as “Mitumba”, is one of Kenya’s largest and most vibrant business sectors, particularly in Nairobi’s Gikomba market. The business revolves around importing used clothes from Europe, the U.S., and other parts of the world.
These clothes, often discarded as thrift shop leftovers or charitable donations, are sold in Kenya for a fraction of their original prices, making them accessible to many Kenyans. This business model is scalable and provides opportunities for entrepreneurs at every stage from small hawkers to major importers.
Revenue Model:
Sales of Clothing: The primary revenue source is selling second-hand clothes at a markup based on the cost of purchasing and importing them.
Fees for Value Addition: Some sellers clean, repair, or customize clothes, which allows them to charge a higher price.
Stall Rentals: Larger traders who own stalls in markets like Gikomba often rent out space to smaller sellers.
Costing Breakdown:
- Initial Setup Costs:
o Bale of Second-Hand Clothes: Clothes can be sourced from the U.S., Europe, or Asia, with different suppliers selling the clothes in 45-kg bales.
The cost of one bale depends on the grade of the clothes and the source market:
Grade A Bale (top-quality brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Burberry, Ralph Lauren): KES 8,000 15,000.
Grade B Bale: KES 4,000 7,000 (lower quality, often sold to hawkers).
Cost Per Item: Typically ranges from KES 50 to 250 depending on the grade and brand.
o Customs and Import Duties:
Kenya imports approximately 100,000 tonnes of second-hand clothes per year. At Mombasa Port, customs duties on each container can range between KES 1.2 million and KES 4.8 million depending on the volume and weight.
A 40-foot container can hold about 550 bales, equivalent to 25 tonnes of clothes.
o Shipping Costs: Importing a standard 40-foot container from Europe or the U.S. incurs additional shipping costs:
Shipping from Europe: Estimated at KES 400,000 600,000 per container.
Shipping from the U.S.: Estimated at KES 600,000 800,000 per container.
o Warehouse/Storage Costs: Traders typically require warehouse space to store their bales before distribution or resale:
Small warehouse rental in Nairobi: KES 20,000 50,000 per month, depending on the location.
- Ongoing Operating Costs:
o Inventory Replenishment: Regular bale purchases from international suppliers, depending on sales volume.
For a small-scale trader: KES 40,000 100,000 per month for ongoing inventory.
For a large-scale trader/importer: KES 400,000 1 million or more, depending on market size.
o Transportation Costs:
Local transport from Mombasa to Nairobi (Gikomba): Can cost about KES 40,000 60,000 per truckload.
Distribution within Nairobi: Using small trucks or boda-boda riders to deliver bales to smaller retailers may cost KES 3,000 5,000 per trip.
o Market Stall Rent:
Hawkers in markets like Gikomba pay KES 100 per day to the city council.
Larger shop owners in Gikomba pay annual rents of KES 5,000 20,000.
o Marketing: Traders often rely on word-of-mouth, but some larger operations may run ads or work with influencers to showcase their stock.
Estimated monthly marketing cost: KES 5,000 10,000.
Sources of Clothing:
- Overseas Suppliers:
o Charity Shops in Europe and the U.S.: Many of the second-hand clothes sold in Kenya originate from these shops. They sort through donations, sell the best items locally, and export the rest to countries like Kenya.
o International Wholesalers: These companies specialize in selling second-hand clothes in bulk to African markets. The clothes are usually purchased at prices as low as USD 0.90 per kg before being shipped in 45-kg bales. - Local Markets (Gikomba, Toi Market):
o Gikomba Market is the largest second-hand clothes market in Kenya, where both small and large traders source their stock. Other notable markets include Toi Market and Muthurwa in Nairobi. - Direct Imports:
o Some traders prefer to bypass local middlemen and import directly from suppliers abroad. Importing directly provides more control over the quality and price of the clothes.
Revenue Potential:
- Retail Prices:
o Grade A Items (High-End Brands): Items such as Tommy Hilfiger jeans or Ralph Lauren shirts can sell for KES 800 2,000 depending on the brand and condition.
o Grade B Items: These clothes sell for KES 300 700. - Profit Margins:
o Grade A: Buy at approximately KES 200 per item and sell at KES 1,200 on average. The profit margin is about 500%.
o Grade B: Buy at around KES 100 per item and sell at KES 500. Profit margin is about 400%. - Annual Revenue:
o For a small-scale trader selling 300 items a month (10 items daily):
Monthly revenue = (300 items average price KES 600) = KES 180,000.
Yearly revenue = KES 2,160,000.
o For a large-scale importer selling 5,000 items monthly:
Monthly revenue = (5,000 items average price KES 1,000) = KES 5,000,000.
Yearly revenue = KES 60,000,000.
Key Features:
- Scalable Business: The mitumba business is flexible and can start small (with as little as KES 1,000 for a few items) or scale to a large enterprise importing containers of clothes.
- Wide Market Appeal: The business serves diverse income groups, from low-income buyers looking for affordable clothing to middle-income fashion-conscious individuals hunting for branded items.
- Creating Employment: The mitumba industry is a major source of employment in Kenya. Gikomba alone employs around 65,000 people, including wholesalers, retailers, and hawkers.
Challenges & Solutions:
- Challenge: Competition from other sellers and fast fashion.
o Solution: Focus on curating high-quality, fashionable items. Differentiation can come from targeting specific niches (e.g., vintage clothing, branded items). - Challenge: Import Costs (Shipping, Duties).
o Solution: Build relationships with reliable overseas suppliers to negotiate better prices. Partnering with other importers to share shipping and customs costs can also reduce expenses. - Challenge: Irregular Supply.
o Solution: Establish multiple sourcing channels to ensure a steady supply of bales. Regularly visit markets like Gikomba and Toi to handpick high-quality items.
Conclusion:
The Mitumba business in Kenya offers a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs, especially in markets like Gikomba. With proper sourcing, inventory management, and effective sales strategies (including online and physical market presence), this business can yield high profits while also creating employment opportunities and offering affordable fashion to Kenyan consumers.
Where can I get importers in nairobi
Here I am please
Hey can I talk to you about importing
Hello Dear,
As demand for quality second-hand clothing continues to grow across the world, we at Yizheng Export Co., Ltd. are actively seeking trusted partners to distribute our goods locally. Our company specializes in exporting Grade A and B used clothing to global markets, and we are currently focusing on expanding our reach throughout every continent with reliable importers like yourself.
We understand the growing demand for affordable and durable used clothing across the world. At Yizheng Export, we offer a wide variety of carefully sorted bales, including:
Men’s, women’s, and children’s wear
Mixed summer clothes
Jeans, shirts, dresses, and shoes
Grade A and B categories
Custom bale packing available (45kg, 55kg, 100kg, etc.)
We have supplied many businesses and retailers who appreciate our consistent quality, competitive pricing, and timely delivery. We would love to build a long-term cooperation with your business. If you are currently sourcing used clothes or are interested in receiving our latest catalog, photos, pricing, or sample videos, please feel free to contact me directly. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Warm regards,
Nurul Amin
Marketing Manager
Yizheng Export Co., Ltd.
WhatsApp: [+86 180 8602 3120]
Based in China – Worldwide Shipping Available
Am Luke Mbithi in Kenya, let’s talk through WhatsApp +254726947080
Am interested in mitumba(second hand clothes)business.
Where can I get mitumba importers in nairobi
If you’re seeking mitumba (second-hand clothing) importers in Nairobi, here are some reputable options:
Maria Mitumba Bales Wholesalers
Nairobi, Kenya
Direct importers of used clothing from Europe and Canada, located in Gikomba Market at Orange House. They offer various bales, such as men’s jeans and baby clothes, and they deliver countrywide
Premium Mitumba – Kamukunji: 0723832253
Located along Digo Road: Kamukunji Area.
Best Mitumba Bales
Nairobi, Kenya
Situated in Gikomba Market at Mumbai Mall, Shop GF 025, they supply a range of mitumba bales and offer delivery services. Contact them at 0724852215, 0740852215, or 0704852215.
Baltic Mitumba KE
Nairobi, Kenya
Offers quality mitumba bales from their shops and warehouse. They have multiple locations in Nairobi and provide a variety of second-hand clothing options.
Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya (MCAK)
Nairobi, Kenya
An association formed to protect the interests of its members and to promote and develop the trade in second-hand clothing. They can provide information on reputable importers and industry insights.
Additionally, online platforms like TikTok feature content on Mitumba Bale suppliers in Kenya, which can offer further insights into available options.
Before engaging with any supplier, it’s advisable to verify their credibility, review customer feedback, and, if possible, visit their premises to assess the quality of their products.
We do offer clearing services for mtumba at completable rates, efficiency and transparent
Contact..0722870439 Benjamin
I’m Mr. Joseph Kyler, a marketing and communication lead at Onward Cargo Logistics Company. Clearing and Forwarding agent. For Inquiries, Contact: 0726977680. We do offer low rates per CBM From CHINA, UK US CANADA GERMAN ITALY.
How much money should one have to start importing Mitumba bales from china?bales should have men boxers, ladies pants (lu)
Cargo shorts and sweat shorts …
Importing Mitumba bales from China involves several cost components that you should consider to determine the necessary capital investment. Here’s a breakdown of the key expenses
1. Cost of Goods:
• Bale Prices: The price of a Mutumba bale varies based on quality and content. For instance, a bale of children’s clothing in China may cost around Ksh 10,000.
2. Shipping Costs:
• Container Shipping: The cost of shipping a 40-foot container from China has increased significantly, from approximately Ksh 346,950 to Ksh 1.04 million in recent years.
3. Customs and Import Duties:
• Import Duty: Approximately 35% of the customs value.
• Value Added Tax (VAT): 16% of the customs value.
• Import Declaration Fee (IDF): 2.25% of the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value.
• Railway Development Levy (RDL): 1.5% of the CIF value.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) levied these taxes and fees which are subject to change. To ensure compliance and obtain updated information, it is advisable to engage a reputable clearing agent in Kenya.
4. Additional Costs:
• Transportation within Kenya: Costs for transporting goods from the port to your storage or retail location.
• Storage and Warehousing: Expenses for storing the imported bales.
• Licenses and Permits: Any necessary business licenses or permits required for importing and selling second-hand clothes.
Estimated Total Investment:
• Per Bale: The total cost per bale can vary widely, considering the bale cost (e.g., KSh 10,000) and associated shipping, customs, and additional expenses.
• Per Container: A 40-foot container can hold approximately 550 bales. With a container cost of around KSh 9 million, this averages to about KSh 16,364 per bale, excluding additional expenses.
I represent a leading company based in Bulgaria specializing in the collection and export of high-quality second-hand clothing. We are looking to connect with importers in Kenya who are interested in purchasing used clothing in bulk.
Could you kindly guide me on the best way to reach out to importers or distributors in Kenya, or if you could provide any relevant contact information or resources? Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you very much for your time and support. I look forward to your response.
Best regards!
Hello I may be of assistance
Hello I may be help
Hey,am a distributor can I distribute for you
Hello, we are collectors from Romania and we are selling pre-sorted used clothes. Are you interested in purchasing them?
For more details, please contact us at +40742344784
my whats up ：＋254 0742001507
I may be of importance in terms of marketing strategies kindly get back to me…0794156155 you can reach out.
Dear M Ivanov
Thank you for reaching out and sharing about your company. I truly appreciate the initiative and professionalism.
I am a distributor, marketer, and stockist of mitumba bales for resale to end users here in Kenya, and I am very much interested in exploring a partnership with a genuine and honest supplier such as yourselves.
Your specialization in the collection and export of high-quality second-hand clothing aligns perfectly with what I do, and I believe we can create a mutually beneficial relationship.
Kindly share with me more details about your products, bale types, pricing, shipping terms, and partnership models so that we can explore the way forward.
Looking forward to your response.
Warm regards,
Kevin
0710988015
Hi,
We are not importers of mitumba, we are the collectors. We have been in this business for 49 years now. We have a official factory warehouse in Nairobi that you can visit. Our company is called TorunTEX East Africa. Visit us for best price and top quality. Check us on facebook also.
Our address : Old Mombasa Road, Katko Complex No:20, Syokimau, Opposite of SGR Terminal. Nairobi.
Phone : 0793020747
Hello I have second hand clothes. Where can I get someone to buy them.
Hello please let’s communicate on WhatsApp or cantacts +254718292217 I need the clothes
Hi, Mr. David Otieno hope you are doing well its me Muhammad Ahmed importer of used clothing from china or australia at the moment i have second hand clothing grade A from china if you are intersted fell free to contact me at whatsup +254717085587 or can visit my ware house at mololongo Old park Beijing road Acceller global logistic opposite suvida comples ware No B20
Where do I get
Hi I just wanted to ask someone to show me how to import cloths from china In need of a supplier kindly contact me on WhatsApp if you have one at 0758589014
I can’t find your whatsapp.
Hello, we are collectors from Romania and we are selling pre-sorted used clothes. Who can help us sell them?
For more details, please contact us at +40742344784
Dear Sarbu Catalin
Thank you for reaching out and sharing about your operations in Romania. I appreciate the connection.
I am a distributor, marketer, and stockist of mitumba bales for resale to end users here in Kenya. I am very much interested in partnering with a genuine and honest supplier of quality second-hand clothing such as yourselves.
Please share more details about the types of clothing you have available, your pricing, shipping arrangements, and terms of partnership so we can explore how to collaborate effectively.
I look forward to hearing from you and building a long-term working relationship.
Warm regards,
Kevin
0710988015
HI good afternoon Kevin hope you are doing well
yes i am the importer of used clothing from china or australia now at the moment i have china grade A quality second hand clothing if you are interested you can contact me on whatsup +254717085587
We supply Grade A&B second-hand clothes in bales from China — men’s, women’s, kids’, shoes, and mixed types.
✅ High quality
✅ Factory price
✅ Fast container shipping
Would you like to see our catalog and prices?
📞 WhatsApp: +86 180 8602 3120
I’m interested, send your catalog link to 0714 219402
I am really interested in the business can I get some of your goods and at what price?
Am selling vintage shirts and plain shirts at affordable prices from Nigeria 🇳🇬 and am looking for buyers from Kenya 🇰🇪
How much would a container of second hand clothing grade b from UK cost to kenya and anyone doing the clearance services how much would you charge for this.th3 clothes are not sorted.