How to Start a Mitumba Business in Kenya: A Complete Guide.

So Why Mitumba?
Ever wondered how someone starts with just Ksh500 and turns it into Ksh1,500 in a single day? Kenya’s mitumba (second-hand clothing) business is one of the few ventures where you can flip a small investment into a thriving business. The Mitumba business offers endless opportunities, from hand-picking clothes in Gikomba to eventually importing your own bales.
But like any business, it comes with risks. You may have heard of vendors “kuchomeka” (suffering major losses) when they open a bale expecting baby clothes only to find football jerseys from an unknown Chinese league. This guide will help you navigate the mitumba business, avoid common pitfalls, and set yourself up for success.
Step 1: Understanding the Mitumba Market
Why is Mitumba So Popular?
- Affordable – Many Kenyans prefer second-hand clothes because they are cheaper than new designer clothes.
- Variety – Customers get a wider selection of unique and stylish clothes.
- Flexibility – You don’t need a permanent business location to sell mitumba.
- High Demand – Kenya imports millions of kilograms of second-hand clothes each month, proving there is a steady customer base.
Capital Requirements
The amount of money you need depends on how you start:
- Ksh500–Ksh1,000 – Handpick items in Gikomba and sell them for profit.
- Ksh30,000+ – Buy a full bale (bundle) of clothes at wholesale prices.
- Ksh500,000+ – Import your own bales and become a wholesaler.
Starting small is a great way to learn the business before expanding.
Step 2: Market Research
Before spending your money, study your target market.
- Who are your customers? Young professionals, students, parents, etc.
- What do they need? Baby clothes, office wear, casual fashion, warm clothing?
- Where will you sell? Busy streets, markets, online, or door-to-door?
Example: Selling swimwear in Limuru is a bad idea because it’s cold most of the year. Instead, stock warm jackets and hoodies.
Step 3: Choosing the Right Location
Your business location will determine your sales. Consider:
✅ Foot Traffic – Busy town centers, bus stops, and open-air markets have the most buyers.
✅ Competition – Being near other mitumba sellers can be beneficial because the market is already there.
✅ Rent Costs – Open-air markets are cheaper but may require daily county fees. Shops and stalls require monthly rent and permits.
Online Selling
Social media (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and TikTok) is a powerful tool for mitumba sellers. Many successful vendors take stylish pictures of their stock and sell them online.
Step 4: Finding a Reliable Supplier
Mitumba suppliers can make or break your business. Some trusted wholesale suppliers include:
📍 Gikomba Market – Kenya’s largest mitumba market.
📍 Toi Market – Best for high-quality fashion items.
📍 Kongowea Market (Mombasa) – A leading mitumba hub in the coastal region.
💡 Pro Tip: Arrive early (6 AM – 9 AM) when new bales are opened to get the best items.
Step 5: Deciding Between Buying Bales or Individual Items
Buying a Bale (Bulk Purchase)
Pros:
✔️ Lower cost per item.
✔️ Higher profit potential.
✔️ Faster restocking.
Cons:
❌ Risk of getting low-quality items.
❌ You don’t always know exactly what’s inside.
Buying Individual Items
Pros:
✔️ You get to choose the best-quality items.
✔️ Less risk of unsellable stock.
Cons:
❌ Higher cost per item.
❌ Limited stock availability.
Step 6: Understanding Mitumba Bale Types
There are different quality levels of bales:
- Grade D – Many damaged or unsellable items. Avoid if possible.
- Grade C – Minor defects but still needs repairs before selling.
- Grade B – Good quality but with some visible defects.
- Grade A – Lightly worn, almost new clothes. Best for resale.
- Crème Bales – The highest quality. Often contains new clothes that were never worn.
💡 Pro Tip: Buy a mix of Grade A and Crème bales for the best returns.

Step 7: Business Permits & Legal Requirements
To operate legally, you need a Single Business Permit from the county government.
💰 Cost: Around Ksh5,000 (varies by county).
If selling online, note that Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is implementing a Digital Service Tax.
Step 8: Pricing Your Mitumba Stock
Pricing can determine whether you succeed or struggle in the mitumba business.
❌ Wrong Pricing Strategy: Simply dividing the bale price by the number of items.
✅ Right Pricing Strategy: Categorizing items into:
- Camera (Best quality) – Sell at premium prices (e.g., Ksh500–Ksh1,000).
- Second Camera – Mid-range prices (e.g., Ksh300–Ksh500).
- Third Camera – Budget-friendly prices (e.g., Ksh50–Ksh200).
Example: If you buy a bale for Ksh30,000 and find 50 premium items, selling them at Ksh600 each covers your investment. The remaining stock is pure profit.
Step 9: Marketing Your Mitumba Business
✅ Word of Mouth – Happy customers bring referrals.
✅ Social Media – Post daily on WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.
✅ Bulk SMS – Use SMS marketing to inform customers about new stock.
✅ Physical Branding – Use posters, signs, and creative stall setups.
💡 Pro Tip: Offering discounts or “Buy 2, Get 1 Free” deals can help you attract new customers.
Conclusion: Is the Mitumba Business Profitable?
Yes! If you stay consistent and smart about your pricing, you can make between Ksh5,000–Ksh7,000 per day from a small stall.
To succeed, remember these key takeaways:
✔️ Start small and scale up.
✔️ Choose a strategic location or sell online.
✔️ Source from reliable suppliers.
✔️ Offer quality at fair prices.
✔️ Use marketing to grow your customer base.
Managing Your Mitumba Business with Pesabook
Running a mitumba business is profitable, but keeping track of sales, stock, and customer orders can be overwhelming. That’s where Pesabook comes in—helping you stay organized, manage finances, and grow your business with ease.
How Pesabook Supports Your Mitumba Business:
📊 Track Income and Expenses
Easily monitor daily sales from clothing items and track expenses like bale purchases, rent, transport, and marketing costs. With Pesabook, you always know your profits and cash flow.
💰 Automated Supplier Payments
If you buy mitumba bales in bulk, Pesabook helps you calculate and schedule payments to suppliers, ensuring smooth restocking without delays.
📦 Inventory Management
Never lose track of your stock! Pesabook helps you:
✔ Know which items sell fastest.
✔ Track how many pieces remain from each bale.
✔ Plan your restocking strategy based on demand.
📞 Customer & Order Management
Build a database of loyal customers and track their buying history. With Pesabook, you can easily remind them about new stock arrivals, promotions, or exclusive deals.
📩 Bulk SMS Marketing
Boost your sales by sending bulk SMS alerts about:
🚀 New arrivals from fresh bales.
📉 Discounted stock clearance sales.
🎉 Special deals for loyal customers.
📈 Real-Time Reports & Growth Insights
Generate daily, weekly, or monthly reports to see:
✔ Which clothing categories are selling best.
✔ Your highest revenue days.
✔ Areas where you can improve profitability.
📱 Manage from Anywhere
Whether you’re at Gikomba sourcing stock or at your shop selling, Pesabook’s mobile-friendly platform allows you to run your business from anywhere.
Why Mitumba Sellers Love Pesabook:
✅ Easy to Use – Simple tools designed for small business owners.
✅ Saves Time – Automates stock tracking, payments, and customer communication.
✅ Boosts Profits – Helps you optimize pricing and sales strategies.
✅ Affordable – No expensive software—just a cost-effective way to manage your business.
Take Your Mitumba Business to the Next Level with Pesabook!
Join thousands of successful mitumba sellers who track their sales, manage inventory, and grow their businesses effortlessly with Pesabook.
🔗 Sign up for free today at www.pesabook.com! 🚀
Are you ready to turn your passion for fashion into a profitable mitumba business? 🚀 Let’s get started!