about Us
The Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya (MCAK) stands as the unified, representative voice for over two million traders who form the backbone of the nation’s second-hand clothing sector. Established to safeguard our members' interests and promote a thriving trade, we act as a vital bridge between the informal economy and formal national policy, collaborating closely with government agencies to ensure regulations are equitable, practical, and effectively enforced. Beyond advocacy, we serve as the sector’s primary knowledge hub; by partnering with prestigious institutions like the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) and KIPPRA, we produce rigorous, data-driven research on global production networks, environmental sustainability, and the long-term economic outlook of the apparel industry. This commitment to evidence-based leadership ensures that mitumba remains a resilient, transformative economic engine that not only provides millions of Kenyans with high-quality, affordable clothing but also secures the livelihoods of families across the country while actively fostering integration with local textile and apparel manufacturing.
MEET THE TEAM
Teresia Wairimu Njenga
Teresia has been in the Mitumba business for the last 20 Years, where she started off her business with a capital of KShs 3000. Together with her husband they have grown the business to becoming importers of second-hand clothes, importing from Canada, USA, Europe and China. Because of her business and leadership acumen, Teresia was selected by her peers to lead and chair the Mitumba Consortium of Kenya which represents over 2 million traders.
In March 2020, the government of Kenya imposed a ban on mitumba trade over misinformation of Covid-19. Teresia led the MCAK team in lobbying for the lifting of the ban. After several meetings with President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang the ban on second hand clothes was lifted in August same year. Teresia was key in developing new import protocols that are used to date in importation of second-hand clothes.
The MCAK has, in an effort to educate and inform the Kenyan public on the economic and social benefits that second-hand clothes has done to Kenya, launched 2 reports over the last three years. Teresiah as the chair was very instrumental in preparation and development of those reports which have widely been covered both in local and international media.