Kenya’s textile industry, once a thriving sector, is now grappling with competition from second-hand clothing (mitumba), high production costs, and limited local raw materials. While the country exports high-end apparel under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the domestic market is dominated by cheap imports, leading to factory closures and job losses.
The government is pushing policies to revive cotton farming, modernize textile mills, and promote local production through the ‘Buy Kenya Build Kenya’ initiative. However, balancing economic realities and consumer demand for affordable clothing remains a key challenge.
