US Rejects Kenyan-Made Clothes, Says they Pose Danger to Babies
US Rejects Kenyan-Made Clothes, Says they Pose Danger to Babies
Over 100,000 pairs of jeans for babies made in Kenya and sold in North America have been recalled by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) due to hazardous features.
During production, the jeans were made with metal snaps that could pose a choking hazard to young children. Consequently, retailers have been tasked with contacting purchasers of these clothing items so that they can facilitate the return process. The recalled items were sold only at local stores within the United States of America and the period of sale was between September 2022 and March 2023.
The clothes are manufactured in the Export Processing Zones situated in Nairobi and Machakos counties. They are then delivered under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) accord to the American market offering African clothing brands favourable access. Out of the total pairs sold, 97,400 were sold in the United States, and 1,800 sold in Canada, priced at Ksh3,600 (USD25) apiece.
Stores have accepted responsibility for the losses they incurred after recalling the products due to a snap detachment incident. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported. In Canada, the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act prohibits recalled items from being redistributed, sold, or given away to protect the country’s reputation. The Kenyan textile export market is one of the largest in the continent and employs thousands in EPZs located in Athi River, Machakos County, and Nairobi’s Ruaraka area.
Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria is optimistic about its growth and is pushing for a free-trade agreement with the US before AGOA expires in 2025. Kuria has pledged to promote local garment production by increasing taxes on imported clothes, particularly second-hand garments known as mitumba. A 2022 study found that only 5% of Kenyans purchase locally-made clothes, with cost being a significant factor. Costly raw materials, such as imported cotton, contribute to the high prices.
