In the heart of Nairobi, Kenya, a young boy named Asvin Kaka Haria was born in 1949 into a bustling family with deep roots in the city. Little did anyone know that this child would one day become a beacon of resilience and innovation in the healthcare industry. Asvin grew up amidst the hum of his father’s wholesale textile shop, where the seeds of his entrepreneurial spirit were sown.
Asvin’s educational journey began at Visa Oshwal Primary School, followed by O-level studies at Duke of Gloucester, now Jamhuri High School. The memory of Kenya’s independence in 1963 is etched in his mind as a symbol of hope and new beginnings. In 1966, after completing his O-levels, Asvin ventured to the United Kingdom for his A-levels. Despite his self-described average performance in education and more so a challenge with Mathematics, his passion for Science led him to pursue a pharmaceutical course. After rigorous training with Boots Healthcare Company, the largest retail chemist in United Kingdom, Asvin became a registered Pharmacist in the UK, marking the start of a lifelong commitment to healthcare.
In 1974, Asvin returned to Nairobi, bringing with him not just his certification but a vision for the future. He swiftly passed the necessary examination to become a registered Pharmacist in Kenya, ready to make his mark. The tight-knit nature of Asian communities played a crucial role in his career. With the support of his family, they purchased a retail chemist in Kisumu named Harley’s Limited for him to manage. From 1975 to 1983, Asvin ran the chemist alongside his brother, eventually hiring a Pharmacist to manage the shop in Kisumu.
Asvin’s curiosity and entrepreneurial drive led him to identify a gap in the pharmaceutical supply chain. On his trips to Nairobi to liaise with suppliers and source products for his clients in Kisumu, sparked the idea of establishing a wholesale business in Nairobi. Thus began Harley’s Limited’s transformation from a small retail chemist in Kisumu to a burgeoning pharmaceutical distribution company with branches across East Africa.
Navigating the complexities of pharmaceutical regulations and the ever-changing government policies required vigilance and adaptability. Asvin’s unwavering commitment to integrity in all dealings became the cornerstone of Harley’s success. His fairness with customers, employees, and suppliers fostered strong, lasting relationships, which became the foundation of Harley’s robust customer and supplier retention strategy.
The journey wasn’t solitary. Asvin fondly credits his brothers for their invaluable support, especially his older brother, who managed the accounts. He then recalls the contributions of key individuals such as Rupen Haria, his nephew, who accelerated the growth of the company; Nishil Haria, his son, who later joined the team and developed a performance gauging system; Ravi Soni, who introduced I.T systems and functions such as automating the accounts system, among many other key members still present in the company. They joined Harley’s as young enthusiasts and introduced innovative ideas as part of the Management team, including the company Sacco, welfare and pension scheme.
In the early days, communication with suppliers was a challenge. Letters, telegrams, telex and later fax machines were the lifelines of the business. Asvin marvels at the advancements in communication technology that have since revolutionized the industry.
As Harley’s Limited expanded, Asvin remained committed to employee development. He fostered a culture of innovation, encouraging young employees to implement new ideas. Despite the pre-technology era, Asvin’s passion for reading and gardening provided him with solace and inspiration. His love for cultivating vegetables, flowers and orchids mirrored his approach to nurturing his business-patience, care and a touch of creativity.
One of Asvin’s proudest moments was when Harley’s gained international recognition, drawing interest from investors. The partnership with the IBL Group marked a significant milestone, promising to propel Harley’s to new heights. As a leader, Asvin emphasized teamwork and camaraderie, identifying closely with his staff and contributing to their growth.
From a modest start with just two employees on an empty floor on Ngiriama Road, Harley’s Limited has grown into a recognized name in the pharmaceutical industry with over 800 employees. Asvin Kaka Haria’s journey is a testament to the power of integrity, community support and relentless pursuit of excellence. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs in Kenya and beyond.
