<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Mcak New Site Copy]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mcak New Site Copy]]></description><link>https://mcak88.wixsite.com/website/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2026 18:31:50 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.mitumbaassociation.org/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[POLICY COLONIALISM: WHY THE BASEL CONVENTION THREATENS KENYA’S SECOND-HAND CLOTHING SECTOR]]></title><description><![CDATA[CAMPAIGN FOR LIVELIHOODS The Basel Convention is considering reclassifying second hand clothes as waste, a move that could drastically reduce the flow of these clothes into Africa. This policy threatens Kenya's thriving second hand clothing trade, known locally as mitumba, which supports nearly two million people. The potential ban could devastate livelihoods and the economy, with no clear alternatives for those who depend on this trade. This post explores the possible outcomes of the Basel...]]></description><link>https://www.mitumbaassociation.org/post/policy-colonialism-why-the-basel-convention-threatens-kenya-s-second-hand-clothing-sector</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a3436b7881c4b5f4c464450</guid><pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2026 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/64aa5e_deb6c7dfa17b4706a56c1813d5c9fa58~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_732,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Mitumba Consortium</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Global Policy: Basel Convention OEWG-15]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Basel Convention’s Open-ended Working Group (OEWG-15) is convening in Geneva from June 23–26, 2026.This meeting is a pivotal moment for determining how used textiles are classified globally. MCAK is leveraging the data mentioned above to ensure that international regulators distinguish between reusable goods and actual waste. The Environmental Law Firm Context: The meeting will shape options for COP-18. It is a critical space for advocacy to prevent the misclassification of mitumba that...]]></description><link>https://www.mitumbaassociation.org/post/global-policy-basel-convention-oewg-15</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a33ef1df95a1eb5ef5eb9d2</guid><pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2026 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/64aa5e_fb9b6b646b234bd6893c2333e15ad4d0~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_926,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Mitumba Consortium</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Industry &#38; Policy Updates (June 2026)]]></title><description><![CDATA[Global Research: 96% of Second-Hand Clothing is Rewardable A major field study released in April 2026 by the SMEP Programme (in partnership with UNCTAD) provides critical, primary-source data that directly refutes the "waste dumping" narrative. Based on a sample of over 244,000 garments, the study proves that the vast majority of imported second-hand clothing is rewearable and high-value, not waste. SMEP programme+ 1 Key Findings: Waste levels are consistently below 1.5% in imported bales....]]></description><link>https://www.mitumbaassociation.org/post/industry-policy-updates-june-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a33ef1df95a1eb5ef5eb9d0</guid><category><![CDATA[Policy Makers]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2026 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/64aa5e_68a30573720e40299c89c518578eab98~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_978,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Mitumba Consortium</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Domestic Advocacy: Finance Bill 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[The government has clarified that there will be no additional import taxes on mitumba in the Finance Bill 2026, aimed at reducing tax exposure for traders at the point of entry.
However, the bill does propose subjecting the local supply of secondhand clothing to VAT. The government spokesperson emphasized that many of these proposals were developed in consultation with sector stakeholders to simplify compliance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdxwJVICfoo]]></description><link>https://www.mitumbaassociation.org/post/domestic-advocacy-finance-bill-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a33ef1df95a1eb5ef5eb9d1</guid><category><![CDATA[Policy Makers]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 30 May 2026 17:18:10 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/64aa5e_9dff175b8c4244eea08be0e9f0e6f6f0~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Mitumba Consortium</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>