Kenya has become Africa’s largest importer of second-hand clothes, earning a reputation as a dumping ground for used apparel while grappling with the decline of its textile industry.
In 2023, Kenya imported second-hand clothing valued at Sh38.5 billion ($298 million), marking a 12.45% increase from the previous year’s Sh34.28 billion ($265 million), as demand for affordable clothing continues to rise. Following Kenya, Ghana and South Africa ranked second and third in imports, valued at Sh30.4 billion and Sh29.4 billion, respectively.
Meanwhile, officials within Kenya’s Ministry of Trade suggest that many of these imports may ultimately be smuggled into neighboring countries.Despite the influx of second-hand clothing, there are concerns regarding the country’s textile sector, which has not been intentionally developed, according to Tobias Alando, CEO of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers.
Additionally, Kenya’s adherence to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) requires it to allow these imports, as a significant portion comes from the United States.
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