Clothing

The narrative of Kenya's bustling second-hand clothing economy is not only about numbers but about stories woven into the very fabric of everyday life. In 2023, Kenya's import of second-hand clothes and textiles reached a staggering Sh38.5 billion ($298 million), according to data from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). For an economy and a society, what do these numbers truly signify? Categories of Imported Second-Hand Apparel Kenya's import market for second-hand…

Analyzing the CPI: A Journey through Clothing and Footwear Costs Have you ever wondered how the cost of the clothes you wear is determined? Every stitch, button, and thread of our outfits is intertwined with the financial fabric known as the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Historically, CPI has been composed of several components, with housing, clothes, and food leading the charge. Think about it—while food undeniably sits at the throne of essentials, for many, clothes follow right at its heels. And isn't it…

Unraveling the Thread: The Economic Impact of Clothing Prices The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is an economic concept many of us hear about, but few truly grasp. It consists of various elements, with food, clothing, and housing being the most significant. However, there are other interesting items on this list—recreation, health, and education, to name a few. My friend once said, "It’s like trying to balance plates on a stick—you’ve got to keep an eye on each one." Have you ever noticed…