Perspectives on the secondhand clothing trade in Kenya: A socioeconomic and environmental analysi

This paper gave a unique perspective about second-hand clothing trade in Kenya, the largest importer in Africa.The purpose of the study was to explore people's perspectives on the secondhand clothing trade in Kenya by conducting socioeconomic and environmental analysis.The theoretical underpinnings and the constructs of the study were based on Raworth's Doughnut sustainable model.Data was collected in Kenya on social media via virtual Qualtrics surveys, and the study yielded 246 responses from a convenient and anonymous sample.The results showed nuanced responses, suggesting complex and important differences from the participants with 85% of the respondents agreeing that second-hand clothing had economic benefits to Kenya.About 52 % viewed secondhand clothing as positive to the environment and 40% of the participants stated that they primary bought second-hand clothing to cover their bodies and not for environmental concerns.The economic benefits influenced participants' perspectives on reasons for purchasing second-hand clothing, and views that secondhand clothing was positive to the environment.Participant's perspectives leaned towards limiting but not eradicating secondhand clothing.The research contributes to the body of knowledge on sustainable fashion, and secondhand clothing trade.