mitumba shoes

How to Start a Secondhand Shoe Business in Kenya

ByTujulishane

Introduction

Starting a secondhand shoe business in Kenya is one of the most profitable niches in the mitumba trade. Shoes are a necessity — people need them for school, work, sports, and fashion. While new shoes can be expensive, mitumba shoes offer affordable quality that attracts customers across all income levels. With a small stock and the right location, you can turn this into a consistent daily income hustle.

Startup Costs 💰

Your starting capital depends on whether you buy shoes by the sack/bale or hand-pick them.

  • Capital Needed: KES 10,000 – 25,000
  • Key Expenses:
    • Initial stock (mitumba shoes by sack/bale or camera selection) — KES 7,000 – 20,000
    • Display rack, sack, or table — KES 1,000 – 2,000
    • Cleaning supplies (brush, polish, detergent) — KES 500 – 1,000
    • Transport to/from market — KES 500 – 1,000

💡 Tip: Hand-pick “camera” shoes (highest quality) at KES 300–500 each and resell for double or triple.

Why This Business Works ✅

  1. Daily Demand: Shoes are essential — everyone needs them.
  2. Affordable Alternative: Customers prefer mitumba shoes instead of costly new ones.
  3. High Margins: Shoes bought cheaply can be resold at 2–4x the price.
  4. Wide Market: From students to office workers, everyone buys shoes.
  5. Scalable: Start with a sack, grow into a stall or boutique.

Step-by-Step Setup 🛠️

1. Source Quality Shoes

Buy from trusted suppliers in markets like Gikomba (Nairobi), Toi Market, or Kongowea (Mombasa). Choose camera (first selection) shoes for higher resale value.

2. Clean & Repair

  • Wash thoroughly with detergent.
  • Use polish, brushes, or shoe cleaners to restore shine.
  • Simple repairs (like new laces or glue) can add big value.
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3. Choose Your Sales Method

  • Hawking: Move around estates, bus stages, or workplaces.
  • Market Stall/Table: Display neatly for higher trust.
  • Social Media: Use WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok to reach a wider audience.

4. Price Smartly

  • Sandals & flats: KES 200 – 400
  • Sneakers: KES 500 – 1,200
  • Office shoes: KES 800 – 1,500
  • Boots: KES 1,200 – 2,000

5. Build a Customer Base

  • Offer discounts for repeat buyers.
  • Take clear photos and advertise online.
  • Target schools and colleges for steady bulk sales.

Profit Breakdown 📊

Example:

  • Buy a sack of sneakers at KES 15,000 (~50 pairs).
  • Average resale price: KES 600.
  • Sales revenue = KES 30,000.
  • Profit after cleaning/transport = ~KES 12,000 – 14,000.

👉 Selling just 5 pairs daily at KES 600 each = KES 3,000 sales, ~KES 1,500 profit.
That’s KES 45,000 profit monthly with consistent sales.

Challenges & How to Overcome Them ⚠️

  1. Fake or Worn-Out Stock: Some sellers mix poor shoes into sacks.
    • Solution: Buy from trusted suppliers, and start with camera shoes.
  2. Competition: Shoe mitumba is very common.
    • Solution: Differentiate with neat presentation, online sales, and good pricing.
  3. Weather: Rain affects open-air stalls.
    • Solution: Use umbrellas or shift to semi-permanent stalls.
  4. Capital: Camera shoes require more cash upfront.
    • Solution: Start with a few pairs, grow stock gradually.

Tips to Grow 🚀

  • Niche down (e.g., only sneakers, kids’ shoes, or office shoes).
  • Brand your stall with a catchy name.
  • Offer delivery services within estates and CBD.
  • Reinvest profits into better stock and bigger space.
  • Use TikTok or Instagram reels to showcase “before and after cleaning” transformations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓

Q: How much do I need to start a secondhand shoe business in Kenya?
A: With KES 10,000, you can start small by buying hand-picked shoes. A sack or bale requires KES 15,000–25,000.

Q: Where can I buy mitumba shoes?
A: Gikomba Market (Nairobi), Toi Market, and Kongowea (Mombasa) are top suppliers.

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Q: How profitable is selling mitumba shoes?
A: Profits range from KES 1,500 per day to KES 45,000+ monthly, depending on stock and sales method.

Q: Do I need a license?
A: A small county trade license is advisable if operating a stall. Hawking may need a hawker’s permit.

Conclusion

The secondhand shoe business in Kenya is one of the most profitable mitumba hustles you can start. With KES 10,000 – 25,000, you can buy quality stock, clean it up, and resell for double or triple the cost. By focusing on neat presentation, building trust with customers, and using social media marketing, you can grow from hawking to owning a shoe stall or boutique.

👉 Explore more hustler-friendly opportunities in the Business Ideas Hub — with over 50+ small businesses you can start today.

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