The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) announced on Thursday, 22 October, that officers intercepted a consignment containing prohibited second‑hand undergarments during an inspection on 21 October.

KEBS listed the banned items as used briefs, brassieres, camisoles, socks, stockings and swimwear, and reminded importers to ensure their consignments do not contain any of these textiles.

The agency emphasised that all imported used clothing and footwear consignments undergo 100 percent inspection to verify compliance with national standards.

The prohibition on used undergarments dates back to at least 2004, when parliamentary debate highlighted health risks such as fungal infections associated with imported second‑hand underwear.

The ban also covers used nightwear—including pyjamas, nightdresses and nightgowns—hospital wear and used bath towels, reflecting broader hygiene concerns for garments that contact the body directly.

Importers of mitumba must be registered with the government, providing business details, KRA PIN, contact information and warehouse location before shipping any used clothing to Kenya.

Kenya’s mitumba market relies heavily on overseas suppliers, with China accounting for more than half of shipments in 2023, alongside exporters from the United States, Canada, the UAE, the UK, Germany, Poland, Lithuania and India.