The appeal of mitumba clothes in Kenya lies not just in their affordability but in their variety and quality. Despite the growth of the fashion industry and e-commerce, second-hand clothes continue to be an essential part of Kenya’s fashion culture.
A Hustle That Never Goes Out of Style
Kenya’s love affair with second-hand fashion is no secret. From trendy campus students to budget-conscious parents, the mitumba clothes business in Kenya caters to nearly every demographic. Affordable, fashionable, and readily available, mitumba clothes are a staple in urban and rural wardrobes alike.
So if you’re looking for a high-demand, low-barrier business with daily cash flow and scalability, selling mitumba clothes could be your perfect fit. Whether you’re hawking bales in Gikomba or setting up a stall in your local market, this business has room for everyone—from full-time traders to side-hustlers.
Why Mitumba Still Rules Kenya’s Fashion Scene
The rise of online shopping hasn’t killed the mitumba market—it’s actually amplified it. Why? Because mitumba is not just about price; it’s about style, uniqueness, and value for money. Here’s why Kenyans keep buying second-hand:
- Low prices for good quality clothes
- High variety: branded jeans, baby wear, office coats, sneakers
- Trendy picks that stand out
- Recycling-conscious buyers looking to reduce textile waste
And for sellers, this means one thing: consistent demand all year round.
Capital and Startup Costs: What You Need to Begin
The beauty of the mitumba hustle in Kenya is that you can start with whatever capital you have. Whether you’re reselling 10 T-shirts or offloading an entire bale, there’s flexibility. Here’s a breakdown of common entry points:
Option 1: Small Start – Street Hawking or Online Selling
- Starting stock (few items): KES 2,000 – 5,000
- Packaging & display: KES 500 – 1,000
- Transport: KES 300 – 500
Option 2: Market Stall or Shop
- Stall rent (monthly): KES 3,000 – 10,000 (location-dependent)
- One bale (mixed clothes): KES 8,000 – 25,000
- Branding and signage: KES 2,000 – 5,000
- Business license: KES 3,000 – 5,000
Total capital range: KES 5,000 – 40,000+
The more specific and high-quality your bale (e.g., kids’ rompers, men’s official shirts), the more you’ll pay—but also the more you’ll profit.
Where and How to Source Your Mitumba Stock
The most famous mitumba hub in Kenya is Gikomba Market in Nairobi, followed by Toi Market, Kongowea in Mombasa, and Nyeri Open Market. Here’s how you can source:
- Buy full bales: Best for serious traders. Choose specific categories (e.g., bedsheets, skirts, baby clothes). Always inspect bales if possible.
- Pick select items (camera pieces): Ideal for new sellers or if you want to test demand. You buy per item (KES 20 – 300 depending on type).
- Online mitumba suppliers: Some Facebook groups and websites offer bale delivery to your town.
Pro tip: Establish a good relationship with wholesalers so they alert you when “Grade A” bales land. This guide on sourcing mitumba by Standard Media offers some valuable insights.
What to Sell? Find Your Mitumba Niche
Instead of selling random pieces, choose a niche you can dominate. Here are hot-selling categories in the second-hand clothes business in Kenya:
- Baby and kids’ wear (Always in demand, especially during back-to-school periods)
- Ladies’ tops and jeans (Young women are top buyers of mitumba)
- Men’s shirts and khakis (Office workers want smart looks on a budget)
- Shoes and sneakers (High-profit margins)
- Winter jackets and hoodies (Great during cold months or in places like Limuru, Nyahururu)
Knowing your niche helps you market better, build loyal customers, and restock wisely.
Where to Sell: Physical, Digital, or Both?
Your success will depend heavily on where and how you sell. Here are popular platforms:
1. Market Stall or Roadside Tent
Perfect for daily interactions and impulse buyers. Ensure your stall is tidy, colorful, and offers fitting space.
2. Street hawking
High mobility, low cost. Requires licenses, and you must understand peak hours and customer patterns.
3. Social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok)
Showcase your mitumba haul through reels or photos. Offer delivery through riders or pick-up stations.
4. WhatsApp status + groups
Your inner circle is your first market. Always take clear photos with prices.
Combine online and offline sales to maximize reach and profits.
Profit Potential: Is Mitumba Really Worth It?
Yes—if done right. Many sellers report doubling or tripling their capital in one week. Here’s a sample breakdown:
- Bale cost: KES 15,000
- Pieces in bale: 180 (e.g., T-shirts)
- Selling price per item: KES 150
- Total revenue: KES 27,000
- Gross profit: KES 12,000
- Net profit (after rent/transport): KES 8,000+
Repeat this process weekly and you could earn KES 30,000+ per month, scaling higher as you build a brand.
Win the Mitumba Game with These Smart Tips
To build a reputation and retain customers in the mitumba clothes business, do more than just sell:
- Be honest about item condition (don’t sell torn or faded clothes unless clearly stated)
- Iron and fold your clothes—presentation matters
- Use hashtags when selling online to reach the right audience
- Offer fitting and exchange options for in-person shoppers
- Give loyalty perks like discounts after 5 purchases or free delivery
Customers are more likely to refer you if you go beyond just selling.
Threads That Build Empires
The mitumba clothes business in Kenya isn’t just about reselling second-hand garments. It’s about providing affordable fashion, creating employment, and tapping into a timeless market. From a small hawking hustle to a branded boutique, mitumba selling offers limitless growth.
So whether you’re a student, a stay-at-home parent, or an ambitious hustler, remember—some of Kenya’s top businesspeople started with a single bale.
It’s your turn now.
