Young Malindi entrepreneur who chose to forgo university making waves in fashion world

Upon completing Form Four, Harith Abdallah, 26, decided to forgo university education and instead invest his Sh75,000 entrance fee into the fashion world.

His choice set him on a path to entrepreneurial success and created valuable opportunities for local youth in Malindi, Kilifi County, contributing to boosting the community's economy.

Harith, the second of five children raised by a single mother, sacrificed his educational aspirations to support his siblings’ university journey.

"It wasn't easy for my mother to raise all of us on her own. I had to choose to pave the way for my younger siblings,” he recalls.

Driven by his passion for fashion and design, Harith started his journey into the clothing business.

"In 2014, while in secondary school, I began hawking clothes. During school holidays, I would move from place to place buying second-hand clothing materials, making an average of Sh3,000 daily," he explains.

However, convincing his mother that he wanted to pursue business rather than further his studies was no easy task. In 2016, after gaining the support of his family, he converted a small room provided by his mother into a store, which he named Last King Streetwear.

"Things started to improve. I began making Sh20,000 every week."

Artistic passion

Located in Watamu, his shop offers a variety of clothing for men, women, and children. The entrance is adorned with various artworks that reflect his artistic passion.

"Had I gone to university, I would have studied a course related to arts and creativity. The paintings represent the vibrant world of fashion," he explains.

Beyond personal success, Harith’s venture has provided much-needed employment for local youth.

"I currently employ five young people at the shop. Some work as designers, creating unique pieces that reflect the local culture, while others manage sales and customer service," he says.

He also has a team that handles social media marketing and online sales, enabling him to reach more customers nationwide.

Harith (left) poses for a photo with customers at his Last King Streetwear shop in Watamu. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

Harith's shop has become more than just a business; it is a training ground for young people, allowing them to gain valuable skills in design, retail, and digital marketing.

"It's rewarding to see them grow, gain confidence, and contribute to the business while earning a decent income," he adds.

Today, Harith’s clientele spans across the country, with many purchasing his creations through social media platforms.

"I offer discounts during holidays and occasionally provide gift packages containing a shirt, trousers, and a pair of shoes," he says.

In December 2019, Harith upgraded his shop into a modern boutique.

Now, seven years into the business, he is considering opening another branch in Malindi, focusing on women's clothing.

"Sometimes, clients make orders without knowing whom they are dealing with. You have to find solutions. Everything comes with its challenges, but as young people, we must fight to create opportunities for ourselves," he says.

Harith dreams of importing clothes from China and Dubai to expand his business.

Instead of pursuing his aspirations, Harith chose to build a legacy that benefits not only himself but also the youth around him, proving that true success lies in uplifting others.