Kenya second-hand clothes imports from China rise 86pc

People pick through second-hand shoes at Gikomba market in Nairobi, Kenya on February 4, 2024. PHOTO | FILE | NMG

Photo credit: File | Lucy Wanjiru | Nation Media Group

The quantity of second-hand clothes imported from China, which is Kenya’s main source of the popular low-cost used clothing, jumped by 86.2 per cent in the first quarter of this year signalling increased demand.

Data from Chinese authorities shows the country exported 31,594 tonnes of second-hand clothing and accessories to Kenya between January and March 2024, valued at $22.732 million (Ksh3.03 billion).