Here are a few possibilities:
1. Clothing: This is the most common meaning of "mbata". It refers to clothes in general, including garments like dresses, shirts, trousers, etc.
2. Leather: "Mbata" can also refer to leather, especially when talking about leather goods like shoes, belts, bags, etc.
3. Animal Skin: This meaning is more specific and refers to the skin of an animal, often used for clothing or other purposes.
4. A specific type of clothing: In some areas, "mbata" can refer to a specific type of clothing, like a loose-fitting dress or a skirt.
5. A Proper Noun: It is possible that "Mbata" is a surname in some Kikuyu communities.
To understand the meaning of "mbata" in a specific context, you would need more information about the sentence or situation in which it is being used.