Why Kenyans go for second hand clothes

A Kenyan vendor sells second-hand clothes, locally known as 'mitumba',

Business magnate Chris Kirubi is on record castigating the importation of second hand clothes in the country.

He has on several occasions appealed to the Government to stop the imports. For obvious reasons, his sentiment is not popular with many Kenyans who feel that second hand clothes are part and parcel of their lifestyle.

There are a number of reasons why Kenyans prefer to wear second hand clothes. First, these clothes are affordable.

Secondly, Kenyans find the clothes unique. For instance, one might buy a jacket that is almost impossible to find anyone else with on the streets of Nairobi.

Third and most importantly, most second hand clothes are well sewn and they are more long lasting than some of the Kenyan made clothes.

In Kenya, there is a possibility those who work in the clothes manufacturing factories are not thorough enough or they work under immense pressure to finish up the pieces.

The poor workmanship is a major put off to many people who feel that their money is not wisely spent.

It is a challenge to Kenyan cloth manufacturers to seal these loopholes that make Kenyans feel shortchanged whenever they buy new clothes.

They should put their customers’ needs first before thinking about profits. To this end, they should employ staff who are well qualified to do the tailoring work to perfection.

In the same breath, they should use quality materials that are satisfying to the customers. People want to get value for their money and enjoy wearing the clothes they buy.

If this is done, then it would be possible to deal with the second hand clothes issue. I have  numerous times overheard people saying how they cherish second hand clothes as opposed to locally tailored ones for a myriad of reasons that can be sorted out.

These are issues that business people need to understand when they advocate for the local clothing lines.They should be keen on addressing the problems that dog the textile industry so that Kenyans can have confidence in Kenyan made clothes.