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Africa Wholesale Clothing
Container being loaded with different types of labelled clothing bales

Kenya

Mitumba bales for importers in Kenya

Kenya's mitumba trade is the largest in East Africa: imports reached Sh27.8 billion in the year to March 2024, and Nairobi's Gikomba is its best-known market. Registered importers bring bales in through Mombasa. Tell us the categories, grade and volume you need and we reply with what we can actually supply.

Ports and routing

  • Port of Mombasa

    Under evaluation

    KEMBA · Kenya Ports Authority

    Quotation requests accepted, subject to confirmation of feasibility.

    See on the destination map

Sea freight to Mombasa, also the gateway for Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan. Tell us whether you need FOB or CIF and who your clearing agent is.

Documents for Kenya

The standard export file for each container, plus what this destination is known to require. The final list is confirmed with your offer.

  • Bill of lading (B/L)
  • Commercial invoice
  • Packing list per bale
  • Certificate of origin
  • Fumigation or disinfection certificate
  • Verified gross mass (VGM)

Import rules to check

Kenya applies specific import protocols to used textiles and shoes (summary published by Cotecna, a KEBS PVoC provider): the importer must be registered with KEBS; every shipment needs a Certificate of Conformity under PVoC; garments must be cleaned and fumigated before baling, with a fumigation certificate; bales must use clear waterproof packaging, contain a single category and be labelled with weight, category, supplier, consignee and origin. Used undergarments, nightwear, hospital wear, bath towels and used sandals, slippers and indoor footwear are prohibited. The customs duty on worn clothing is 30 % (May 2026). Confirm current rules with KEBS and your clearing agent.

This information is for orientation only. Import rules change; confirm current requirements with the competent authority and your clearing agent before ordering.

Local terminology

Mitumba (second-hand clothes). Bales are described by category, weight and grade.

Sources