Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya
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 a 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.
Teresia Wairimu Njenga
Chair person
I began in this business more than twenty years ago with just 3,000 shillings (±USD 30) selling clothes by the pieces as a vendor buying fagia. Since then I have grown to become an importer, importing containers from all over the world. This trade had clothed my family, put food on our table, paid for the school fees, and transformed my life.
In March 2020, when the government of Kenya imposed a ban on mitumba trade due to Covid-19. Together with our MCAK's executive members and market leaders, we were able to successfully lobby to President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang which led to the lift of the ban. Ever since, I have been appointed to be the chairperson for the association.
Today, I speak passionately as a proud woman entrepreneur about this trade, and I represent over two million Kenyans whose livelihoods depend on this trade. I speak for many more millions more across Africa who rely on it for affordable clothing, income, and opportunity.
Our Team.
Martin Gitau
CEO
Martin is a strategic leader and dedicated advocate, Martin bridges the gap between the mitumba industry and government officials to secure fair, evidence-based policies. He is a noted advocate and contributor to the Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya (MCAK), where he works to highlight the economic and social importance of the second-hand clothing (mitumba) trade in Kenya and the broader East African region.
Peter Wachira
National Coordinator
Peter Wachira is the Lead Coordinator for the Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya (MCAK), where he serves as a strategic connector between local informal markets, formal trade network, national, and international stakeholders.
Over 25 years of experience in the trade, Peter rose from carrying bales as a porter to becoming a successful second-hand clothing wholesaler.
Rebecca Gicheru
Secretary
Becky serves as the Secretary for the Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya (MCAK), playing a vital role in the operational coordination and administrative integrity of the association. Acting as a central point of contact for members, stakeholders, and government partners, she ensures that the consortium’s advocacy efforts are well-organized, transparent, and effectively communicated across all levels of the organization.