Buying US used clothing for Kenya
In Kenya, second-hand clothing is widely known as mitumba, and baled clothing is bought by importers who supply traders nationwide.
RawBales sells raw credentials: untouched, ungraded donated clothing and shoes, exactly as collected. Nothing is sorted or picked over before loading, so the best pieces are still in the load when it reaches you. That is the product importers who do their own sorting and grading buy.
What you can order
- ·Raw credential clothing in 800–1,100 lb bales, $0.55–$0.64/lb (about $1.21–$1.41/kg) before freight.
- ·Credential shoes by the full load, priced per load on request.
- ·Every order is one full 40,000 lb load, about 18 metric tons. No partial containers, shared loads or single bales.
Freight and port
Product and ocean freight are quoted separately. Tell us your destination port (for Kenya, commonly Mombasa) and we will quote freight to it, so you can work out your all-in landed cost.
Import rules for Kenya
Rules on used clothing and shoes differ by country and change over time. Some countries restrict, tax heavily or ban them. Before you order, confirm the current requirements for Kenya, including any permits, certificates, duties and approved ports, with a licensed customs broker or the customs authority. Permits, duties and clearance at your end are the buyer's responsibility.
Our customs-broker checklist covers what to settle before your first container.
Questions from importers
What is the minimum order for Kenya?
One full load: 40,000 lbs, about 18 metric tons. We do not sell partial containers or shared loads.
Is the product sorted or graded?
No. Every load is raw credentials, untouched and ungraded. If you want pre-sorted product, we are not the right supplier.
What documents come with the shipment?
A commercial invoice, a packing list with bale count and weights, and a bill of lading. Tell us up front if your country requires additional certificates.
Can I set up recurring shipments?
Yes. A standing load program puts full loads on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly schedule.