5 Innovative Ways Young People Are Using to Make Money From Mitumba Business

At a time when unemployment remains a major challenge for young Kenyans, many are turning to traditional businesses with innovative ideas to stand out and make money.

Among the businesses that have seen increasing interest from young people is the mitumba business. What was once viewed as an informal trade has evolved into a dynamic business powered by social media, creativity, and smart sourcing.

Mitumba is no longer just about selling cheap clothes — it is about strategy, branding, and identifying gaps in the market.

From sourcing clothes at Nairobi’s famous markets to building online brands and even shipping entire bales upcountry, young entrepreneurs are redefining how second-hand fashion generates income.

Here are five key ways young people are making money from the mitumba business.

Also Read: Starting a Mitumba Business in Kenya: All You Need To Know

1. Buying in the Market and Reselling Online

One of the most common entry points into the mitumba trade is sourcing clothes from markets such as Gikomba in Nairobi.

Young traders wake up early to select high-quality pieces, usually referred to as ‘camera’ at relatively low prices. But the profit is not just in buying cheap and selling high. The real trick lies in presentation and targeting.

After purchase, the clothes are usually washed, ironed, and sometimes lightly repaired to enhance their appeal. Clear photos are then taken and posted on platforms like Instagram, Facebook Marketplace, and TikTok. 

Successful sellers focus on creating consistent content on social media and building a loyal clientele.

Another key strategy is niching down. Instead of selling “everything,” many young entrepreneurs focus on a specific category, such as Men’s official shirts, women’s dresses, vintage clothes, among others.

By specialising, they become known for that particular product, making it easier to build a brand and attract repeat buyers.

“I source trendy women’s clothes from Gikomba because ladies are known to invest good money in fashion. It’s a strong niche with high demand. Depending on the quality and size, I buy the pieces between Ksh100 and Ksh300. After selecting the best items, I prepare them for sale and resell them at prices ranging from Ksh600 to Ksh1,000,” Solia Maya, a 2025 graduate, told Money254.

“Understanding your target market is what makes the difference in the business, as good items move faster and help build loyal customers.”

Also Read: How to Start an Online Shop in Kenya - Without Buying Any Stock

2. Offering Personal Shopping Services

Not everyone enjoys the chaos of large open-air markets like the crowding and mud in Gikomba. Most people find this overwhelming, and this has created an opportunity for young people to offer mitumba personal shopping services.

In this model, the entrepreneur acts as a shopper on behalf of a client. The client sends specifications such as clothing type, size, preferred colour and budget range.

The shopper then goes to the market, finds suitable items, and sends photos for approval before purchase. Once confirmed, the item is delivered, and the shopper charges a service fee on top of the purchase price. The fee varies depending on complexity but can range from Ksh200 to Ksh1,000 per item. 

Most of the individuals running such businesses will have names like ’Gikomba errands’, ‘Toi errands’ on social media.

It requires minimal capital since the client often sends money upfront. What matters most here is trust, reliability, and a good eye for quality.

Also Read: How Gikomba Trader Built Ksh5M Mitumba Business With Ksh95K Investment

3. WhatsApp Group Selling and Online Deliveries (Dropshipping)

Another fast-growing strategy is running mitumba businesses entirely through WhatsApp groups without opening a shop. This is known as dropshipping.

Here’s how it works: The seller creates a WhatsApp group and adds potential customers — often friends, referrals, or followers from other platforms. In this case items are then photographed and posted in the group with prices clearly indicated.

Customers respond quickly to secure their preferred pieces. The rule is often “first to pay gets the item.” Deliveries are then organised during the week via boda boda or courier services.

The key to this technique is consistency. Many successful sellers post at the same time every weekend, creating anticipation among buyers. 

Also Read: The Cost of Starting a Business in Kenya: All The Taxes and Fees You Pay

4. Alteration and Upcycling for Premium Pricing

Instead of selling items as they are, some buy plain or slightly damaged clothes at throwaway prices and transform them into unique fashion pieces.

Examples include turning oversized men’s shirts into crop tops for ladies, painting and creating art on denim jeans, jackets or shoes and adding embroidery to clothes.

This process of upcycling allows sellers to charge premium prices because the items become customised and unique. A shirt bought at Ksh150 can be redesigned and sold at Ksh1,200 or more, depending on craftsmanship and branding.

This model works especially well for young entrepreneurs with tailoring skills or access to affordable fundis.

The key advantage is differentiation. Instead of competing purely on price, these sellers compete on creativity and uniqueness.

Also Read: KRA Clarifies Tax Policy on Mitumba Imports

5. Bale-to-Bale: Buying in Nairobi and Supplying Upcountry

For those with more capital, there is an even bigger opportunity — buying mitumba bales in Nairobi and reselling them in far-flung counties.

Many traders outside major cities cannot easily access markets like Gikomba. This creates demand for suppliers who can buy bales and ship them upcountry.

In this model, an entrepreneur buys a bale in Nairobi, and they transport it to towns where supply is limited.

Margins can be significant, especially in areas with limited competition. However, this model requires higher starting capital, knowledge of bale grading and quality, strong logistics planning and understanding of demand trends.

For instance, you can buy a bale of shirts at Ksh25,000 and sell it to someone upcountry at Ksh30,000.

Why Mitumba Appeals to Young People

Mitumba remains attractive to youth for several reasons:

• Low barrier to entry
• Flexible working hours
• Quick cash turnover
• Scalability through digital platforms
• Ability to start small and grow gradually

In addition, social media has transformed mitumba into a branding game. It is no longer just about selling second-hand clothes — it is about storytelling, style, and community building.

Young sellers are leveraging TikTok styling videos, Instagram reels, and Facebook live sessions to attract buyers. Some have grown their side hustles into full-time businesses employing others.

For young people willing to wake up early, build trust, and use digital tools creatively, mitumba is proving that you do not need a formal job to create income. Sometimes, all it takes is a sharp eye for quality, a smartphone, and the willingness to hustle smart.