Mitumba Bales Kenya: Prices, Suppliers and Buying Guide

Mitumba bales are compressed packages of second-hand clothing, shoes, household textiles and accessories sold to wholesalers and retailers throughout Kenya.

Table of Contents

Gikomba Market and the surrounding Kamukunji trading area form Kenya’s best-known mitumba wholesale hub. However, traders can also obtain bales from warehouses, importers and distributors operating along Mombasa Road and in other major towns.

This page is an industry guide. It does not represent one company, and the businesses mentioned operate independently.

About the Mitumba Trade in Kenya

The word “mitumba” comes from the Swahili term for bundles or bales. In everyday Kenyan usage, it refers broadly to imported second-hand clothes and related used goods.

Products are collected, sorted and packed outside Kenya before being exported in compressed bales. Importers clear the consignments through customs and distribute them to wholesalers, market traders, boutiques and online sellers.

Kenya imported approximately 230,535 tonnes of second-hand clothing in 2024, based on figures reported from the 2025 Economic Survey.

The Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya says the wider value chain supports or represents more than two million people, including importers, wholesalers, retailers, tailors, transporters and market workers. This is an industry estimate rather than an independently audited employment count.

Industry Overview

Category	Details
Industry	Wholesale and retail second-hand clothing
Main Nairobi Trading Hub	Gikomba and Kamukunji
Other Buying Areas	Mombasa Road warehouses, Toi Market and independent distributors
Main Products	Clothes, shoes, bags, bedding, curtains, toys and household textiles
Common Commercial Grades	Cream, Grade 1, Grade 2 and lower mixed grades
Main Regulators for Imports	Kenya Revenue Authority and Kenya Bureau of Standards
Industry Association	Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya
Prices	Vary by product, grade, weight, supplier and season
Delivery	Available from many independent suppliers
Main Risks	Misrepresented grades, payment fraud, damaged stock and poor-quality items

Is Mitumba Bales Kenya One Company?

No.

“Mitumba Bales Kenya” is a descriptive search phrase used by many traders and websites. It is not enough to identify one legal business.

Customers should establish the supplier’s:

Registered business name
Physical premises
Official telephone number
Payment account
Return or complaint procedure
Bale description
Invoice details

A supplier using the words “Mitumba Bales Kenya” should not automatically be assumed to own another website, social-media page or telephone number using similar wording.

Types of Mitumba Bales

Bales are normally sorted by clothing type, age group, season or intended customer.

Common categories include:

Women’s dresses
Women’s tops and blouses
Women’s trousers
Men’s shirts
Men’s trousers
Jeans
T-shirts
Children’s clothing
Baby clothes
Jackets and coats
Hoodies and sweatshirts
School-related clothing
Sportswear
Suits and formal wear
Nightwear
Shoes
Handbags
Belts
Curtains
Bedsheets
Towels
Blankets
Soft toys
Mixed household goods

The exact contents depend on the sorting company and exporter.

Cream Bales

“Cream” is commonly used for a supplier’s highest-quality category.

It may contain:

Lightly used clothing
Fashionable items
Branded garments
Clothes with limited visible wear
Items suitable for boutiques or premium resale

Cream does not necessarily mean new clothing.

Quality can still vary within a bale, and the term is not controlled by one universal retail grading authority.

Grade 1 Bales

Grade 1 generally refers to wearable stock in comparatively good condition.

A Grade 1 bale may still contain:

Older designs
Minor marks
Missing buttons
Small repairable defects
Unpopular sizes
Seasonal items
Slow-moving colours

Buyers should ask how the supplier distinguishes Grade 1 from cream.

Grade 2 Bales

Grade 2 normally contains more visibly used clothing.

Some garments may require:

Washing
Pressing
Minor stitching
Button replacement
Stain treatment
Zip repair
Upcycling

Grade 2 stock can serve price-sensitive markets, but it carries a higher risk of unsellable pieces.

Grade 3 and Lower Mixed Stock

Lower-grade bales may include heavily worn, damaged or out-of-season items.

Such stock may be used for:

Very low-cost resale
Cleaning rags
Fabric recovery
Tailoring practice
Upcycling
Repair and alteration

Beginners should be cautious because a cheap bale can produce substantial waste and limited saleable inventory.

Bale Weight

Bale weights are not identical across all suppliers.

A bale may weigh approximately:

25 kilograms
35 kilograms
45 kilograms
50 kilograms
55 kilograms
70 kilograms
90 kilograms
100 kilograms or more

Weight alone does not determine the number of pieces.

A bale of jackets contains fewer pieces than a similarly weighted bale of children’s T-shirts.

Ask the supplier for:

Gross weight
Estimated number of items
Category
Grade
Country or sorting source
Packing date where available
Whether the bale has been opened or repacked

Mitumba Bale Prices in Kenya

There is no single official bale price.

Prices vary according to:

Clothing category
Bale weight
Grade
Country of sorting
Brand concentration
Seasonal demand
Exchange rate
Shipping costs
Import taxes and charges
Supplier mark-up
Location
Delivery costs

Premium categories such as fashionable dresses, quality children’s clothes, denim, jackets and selected shoes can cost substantially more than mixed or lower-grade stock.

Customers should request a current quotation instead of relying on an old online price.

Why “Bales From KSh3,000” Is Misleading

A low advertised figure may refer to:

A small sack rather than a full bale
Lower-grade stock
A clearance bundle
A deposit
A few selected pieces
Damaged or rejected items
A promotion that has expired

The directory should not display KSh3,000 as a general starting price for wholesale bales.

A safer cover label is:

“Prices vary by category, grade and bale weight.”

Where to Buy Mitumba Bales in Nairobi

Gikomba Market

Gikomba is Nairobi’s main wholesale and retail second-hand clothing market.

Buyers can find:

Importers
Bale wholesalers
Opened-bale sellers
Piece-by-piece wholesalers
Shoe traders
Bag sellers
Bedding suppliers
Transport and delivery agents

The market is extensive and busy. A first-time buyer should visit with someone familiar with the relevant section.

Kamukunji and Digo Road

Several mitumba wholesalers operate around Digo Road, Orange House and the wider Kamukunji trading area near Gikomba.

Building names and shop numbers can change, so buyers should request:

A live location pin
A storefront photograph
The salesperson’s name
A working telephone number

Mombasa Road and Cabanas

Warehouses around Mombasa Road, Cabanas and Alpha Centre are also associated with wholesale clothing and imported-goods businesses.

Confirm the exact warehouse and unit number before travelling.

Toi Market

Toi Market is best known for individual clothing and smaller wholesale purchases.

It may suit traders who want:

Handpicked stock
Smaller quantities
Tested market categories
Individual premium pieces

Full unopened bales may be less widely available than in Gikomba and large warehouses.

Selected Suppliers to Reconfirm

The following businesses have been publicly associated with mitumba-bale sales. Inclusion does not constitute an endorsement, guarantee or ranking.

Maria Mitumba Bales Wholesalers

Published location:

Orange House, Gikomba Market, Nairobi

Published telephone:

+254 722 648 796

The business’s current social-media pages continue to use this telephone number and advertise countrywide delivery.

Buyers should still confirm the account name before sending money.

SV Mitumba Bales

Published telephone:

+254 750 030 267

Recent social-media search results associate this number with SV Mitumba Bales. However, customers should obtain a current location pin, invoice and payment details directly from the business.

Best Mitumba Bales

Published telephone:

+254 724 852 215

An independent Kenyan directory associates this contact with a mitumba supplier offering countrywide delivery. The number and shop location should be independently confirmed before purchase.

Premium Mitumba Bales

An independent directory lists this supplier around Digo Road in Gikomba or Kamukunji.

Because available online sources show inconsistent telephone numbers, customers should locate the supplier through its current official page or physical shop rather than relying on an older directory contact.

Supplier Verification Checklist

Before buying, confirm:

The supplier’s physical location.
The registered or trading name.
The phone number on several official pages.
The name displayed by the payment channel.
The bale category and weight.
The advertised grade.
Whether the bale is factory sealed.
The return or complaint policy.
Delivery charges.
Who bears the risk during transport.
Whether an invoice will be provided.
Whether the price includes all charges.

Avoid paying based only on a WhatsApp profile or forwarded social-media advert.

How to Inspect a Bale

Where possible, inspect:

Outer wrapping
Labels
Weight markings
Category description
Source or sorting company
Signs of opening and resealing
Water damage
Mould
Strong odours
Torn packaging
Evidence of prolonged outdoor storage

A sealed bale still does not guarantee that every piece will be saleable.

Opened Bale Versus Sealed Bale

Sealed bale

Advantages:

Original packaging may remain intact
Lower chance of prior handpicking
Suitable for wholesale operations

Risks:

Buyer cannot see the contents
Category may be inconsistent
Quality may differ from expectations

Opened bale

Advantages:

Buyer can inspect some or all items
Easier for beginners
Less uncertainty

Risks:

Best pieces may have been removed
Price per piece may be higher
It may not be the original full bale

New traders may benefit from beginning with handpicked items or sharing a bale before committing to large quantities.

Country of Origin and Sorting

Bales may be marketed as originating from:

United Kingdom
Canada
United States
Australia
Europe
South Korea
China
Other sorting and export markets

The source country does not guarantee quality.

Clothes may have been collected in one country, sorted in another and exported through a third location.

Buyers should focus on:

Supplier consistency
Grade
Category
Expected customer demand
Actual saleable ratio

Are UK Bales the Best?

Many Kenyan traders associate UK-sorted bales with fashionable brands and suitable everyday clothing.

However, saying that UK bales are always the best is misleading.

A UK bale can still contain:

Unsuitable sizes
Winter clothing
Damaged items
Slow-moving designs
Excessively worn clothing

Quality depends on the sorting company and supplier, not merely the country label.

Shoes Bales

Shoe bales may contain:

Trainers
Children’s shoes
Formal shoes
Sandals
Boots
Mixed footwear

Important checks include:

Whether pairs are complete
Sole condition
Size distribution
Odour
Mould
Cracking
Missing laces
Brand authenticity

Shoe stock can require more cleaning and repair than clothing.

Children’s Clothing Bales

Children’s clothes can sell quickly because children outgrow clothing regularly.

Buyers should assess:

Age range
Gender mix
Climate suitability
School-term demand
Stains
Fasteners
Safety of decorative parts
Sleepwear condition

Do not sell items with dangerous cords, sharp components or badly damaged fasteners.

Dress Bales

Dress bales are popular with boutique and market traders.

Potential differences include:

Casual dresses
Office dresses
Party dresses
Summer dresses
Plus-size dresses
Long dresses
Mixed fashion dresses

Request the exact subcategory because a general “ladies dresses” bale can contain a broad mix.

Jeans Bales

Jeans can have strong resale demand but are heavy, which means fewer pieces per bale.

Check:

Waist-size distribution
Men’s or women’s classification
Zip condition
Tears
Stretch fabric condition
Style
Colour
Brand authenticity

Do not calculate expected profit based only on bale weight.

Jackets and Winter Wear

Jackets can sell well during cold or rainy periods, particularly in Nairobi, Central Kenya and highland towns.

Demand may decline during warmer months and in hotter regions.

Canadian or European bales may contain heavy winter items that are difficult to sell in parts of Kenya.

Bedding and Household Bales

Household bales can contain:

Bedsheets
Duvet covers
Curtains
Towels
Blankets
Tablecloths
Cushion covers

Buyers should inspect for stains, holes, odour and mismatched pieces.

The listing should not imply that every textile item is clothing.

Gikomba Market Hours

Gikomba does not have one dependable schedule applying to every trader.

Many wholesale businesses open early in the morning, while others operate during ordinary daytime hours.

A suitable directory schedule is:

Day	General Guidance
Monday–Saturday	Many traders operate from early morning to late afternoon
Sunday	Limited or supplier-specific operations
Public holidays	Hours vary
Bale collection	Arrange directly with the supplier

Customers should telephone the individual supplier before travelling.

Countrywide Delivery

Many wholesalers send bales to buyers outside Nairobi.

Delivery may be arranged through:

Courier companies
Parcel services
Bus parcel offices
Freight companies
Private transporters
Supplier vehicles

Availability differs by destination.

Do not assume that every trader delivers to all 47 counties.

Delivery Safety

Before dispatch, request:

Bale photographs
Packaging photographs
Weight
Category label
Receipt or invoice
Transport company
Parcel number
Expected collection point
Receiver’s official name
Delivery charge

Ask who is responsible if the parcel is lost, damaged or delivered to the wrong destination.

Bus companies and courier providers can change routes or policies, so the article should not recommend one fixed carrier.

Buying Online

Online purchases carry greater risk because buyers cannot inspect the bale.

Use these precautions:

Video-call the supplier from the shop.
Ask to see the specific bale.
Verify the location using a live map pin.
Check how long the account has operated.
Compare the telephone number across official profiles.
Request an invoice.
Confirm the payment name.
Avoid urgent payment pressure.
Do not send money to an unrelated personal account.
Keep all chats and receipts.

Social-media popularity does not prove ownership, quality or honesty.

Common Mitumba Scams

Warning signs include:

Prices far below normal market levels
Requests for a small “activation” fee
Payment to changing personal numbers
Refusal to provide a location
Stolen supplier photographs
Newly created social-media accounts
Pressure to pay immediately
Promises of guaranteed profits
Claims that every item is branded
Refusal to issue an invoice
Unexpected customs or release fees after payment

Contact the supplier using a number obtained independently rather than replying only through an advert.

Importing Mitumba Bales Directly

Direct commercial importation is more complex than buying from a Kenyan wholesaler.

Importers may need to deal with:

Business registration
KRA registration
Import documentation
Customs declarations
KEBS requirements
Pre-export inspection
Shipping
Port and container charges
Clearing agents
Warehousing
Taxes and levies

KRA states that import-clearance documents may include a Certificate of Conformity for regulated products, commercial invoices, a bill of lading or airway bill, a certificate of origin and other supporting documents.

Prospective importers should obtain current requirements directly from KRA, KEBS and a licensed customs-clearing agent before ordering.

Role of KEBS

The Kenya Bureau of Standards establishes and enforces standards applying to regulated imports.

For second-hand textiles, the importer should confirm:

The applicable Kenyan standard
Inspection requirements
Cleanliness requirements
Packaging and labelling
Prohibited or restricted items
Certificate of Conformity requirements
Port-inspection procedures

Requirements can change. An older blog post or social-media guide should not replace current KEBS instructions.

Role of KRA

The Kenya Revenue Authority handles customs clearance and applicable import taxes and charges.

KRA advises importers to maintain valid commercial and shipping documentation when clearing goods.

Retail traders purchasing locally cleared bales should request an invoice or receipt from the wholesaler.

Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya

The Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya represents participants in the second-hand clothing trade.

The association says its mission includes:

Protecting traders’ interests
Supporting industry growth
Engaging government
Promoting livelihoods
Conducting or commissioning research
Advocating for sector policies

It describes its constituency as more than two million traders and sector participants.

Association membership does not replace individual due diligence on a supplier.

Environmental Concerns

The mitumba industry is economically important but also faces questions about textile waste.

Some studies and media reports argue that poor-quality or unsuitable clothing contributes to:

Landfill waste
Blocked drainage
River pollution
Burning of synthetic fabric
Microplastic pollution
Disposal costs for traders

Industry representatives dispute some of the highest waste estimates and argue that traders recover, reuse or repurpose most imported clothing. Reuters reported that the Kenyan association estimated discarded material at approximately 1%–2%, while other environmental studies have published much higher figures.

Because estimates differ sharply, the article should explain the disagreement rather than state one percentage as settled fact.

Handling Unsellable Clothing

Traders can reduce waste by:

Repairing minor damage
Washing and treating stains
Selling fabric scraps
Producing cleaning cloths
Upcycling garments
Partnering with recyclers
Separating natural and synthetic fibres
Donating safe wearable items
Avoiding dumping into drainage channels
Avoiding open burning

Unsellable clothing should be handled through lawful waste-management systems.

Starting a Mitumba Business

A small trader should consider:

Target customers
Selling location
Category
Supplier
Stock quality
Transport
Storage
Cleaning
Repairs
Pricing
Mobile selling
Online marketing
County permits
Record keeping

Beginning with selected pieces or a shared bale can reduce risk.

Is the Mitumba Business Profitable?

The business can be profitable, but returns are not guaranteed.

Profit depends on:

Saleable pieces
Purchase price
Customer demand
Selling price
Rent
Transport
Cleaning
Repairs
Market fees
Unsold stock
Damaged pieces
Competition

The claim that a bale automatically returns two to four times its cost should be removed.

Simple Profit Calculation

Use:

Revenue = number of items sold × average selling price

Then calculate:

Net profit = revenue − all business costs

Costs should include:

Bale price
Delivery
Market fees
Rent
Cleaning
Repairs
Packaging
Mobile-money charges
Advertising
Unsold or damaged stock

Revenue is not the same as profit.

Example Without Guarantee

Suppose a trader spends:

Bale: KSh25,000
Transport: KSh1,500
Cleaning and repair: KSh2,000
Market and selling costs: KSh3,000

Total cost:

KSh31,500

If the trader earns KSh40,000 from the saleable stock, the estimated profit is:

KSh8,500

If demand is weak or many pieces are damaged, the trader could make less or incur a loss.

Business Registration and Permits

Depending on the operation, a trader may require:

Business registration
KRA PIN
County single-business permit
Market allocation or stall agreement
Fire and public-safety compliance
VAT registration where the statutory threshold is reached
Employment records where staff are hired

KRA states that businesses making or expecting taxable supplies worth at least KSh5 million annually generally need VAT registration, subject to applicable rules and exceptions.

Traders should confirm local requirements with their county government and KRA.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are mitumba bales?

They are compressed bundles of second-hand clothing, shoes, textiles or household goods sold to wholesalers and retailers.

Where can I buy mitumba bales in Kenya?

Gikomba and Kamukunji are major wholesale areas in Nairobi. Suppliers also operate from Mombasa Road warehouses, other towns and online platforms.

How much does a mitumba bale cost?

There is no fixed price. Cost depends on the category, grade, weight, source, season and supplier.

Can I buy a bale for KSh3,000?

Some small bundles, clearance stock or lower-grade goods may be advertised at that price, but KSh3,000 should not be treated as the standard starting price for a full-quality bale.

What is a cream bale?

Cream is a commercial term usually applied to a supplier’s premium-quality stock. It does not necessarily mean the clothes are new.

What is Grade 1 mitumba?

Grade 1 generally means wearable second-hand stock in relatively good condition. The precise standard differs between suppliers.

What is Grade 2?

Grade 2 normally contains more visibly used clothing and may require washing or minor repairs.

Which country has the best bales?

No country guarantees the best quality. Assess the sorting company, supplier consistency, category and actual saleable ratio.

Are sealed bales better?

They reduce the chance of handpicking but do not allow the buyer to inspect the contents. Both sealed and opened bales have advantages and risks.

How many clothes are in one bale?

The number varies by weight and category. A bale of children’s clothes can contain many more pieces than a bale of jackets or jeans.

Does Gikomba open every day?

Many traders operate from Monday to Saturday, often beginning early. Sunday and public-holiday hours vary.

Can suppliers deliver outside Nairobi?

Many do, but coverage, cost and transport arrangements differ. Confirm with the individual supplier.

How can I avoid being scammed?

Verify the shop, telephone number and payment name; request a live video, invoice and location pin; and avoid sending money to unverified personal accounts.

Can I return a poor-quality bale?

Return rights depend on the supplier’s written policy. Some wholesalers treat sealed bales as final-sale stock.

Is the business profitable?

It can be profitable, but results depend on quality, demand, pricing, expenses and unsold stock. No supplier can guarantee a particular return.

Do I need a permit to sell mitumba?

A trader may require a county business permit, market authorisation, KRA registration and other licences depending on the business model.

Can I import bales myself?

Yes, subject to current customs, standards, shipping and tax requirements. Contact KRA, KEBS and a licensed clearing agent before importing.

Are imported used clothes regulated?

Yes. Commercial imports are subject to customs procedures and applicable standards and conformity requirements.

Is mitumba environmentally friendly?

Reusing clothing can extend a garment’s life, but unusable synthetic clothing can also create waste. The environmental effect depends on quality, recovery, reuse and disposal.