For many Africans, buying swimwear has long meant choosing from designs that rarely reflect their culture, body types or personal preferences.
Neema Nkatha Kinoti is changing that with her clothing label, Ohana Swimwear, which has seen her elevate Kenyan fashion to the global stage.
In 2018, while preparing for a trip to Europe during her final semester at university, she struggled to find a high-quality swimsuit celebrating Africa. She could find African-inspired clothing, shoes and accessories, but no swimwear. She spotted a business opportunity.
Today, the Kenyan brand is helping reshape how Africans see themselves in and around water. Its collections cater to men, women and children, with designs that embrace different body shapes and sizes while also offering modest swimwear for Muslim customers.
"Clothes are like art. They can take a people’s story to the global stage."
“There is a narrative that as Africans, swimming is not our forte, which is wrong,” says Ms Kinoti. “We do swim and can swim. It is all about representation and access.”
Ohana has grown into a regional and global brand, selling in Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar and displaying at fashion exhibitions in London, Dubai and other global platforms.
This year, Ms Kinoti won the DHL Women Exporter of the Year Award, which the German multinational gives to women who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and success in growing their export businesses.
Currently, Ohana’s pieces are displayed at London’s Design Museum and in August, Ms Kinoti will be among the top fashion entrepreneurs showcasing their work at the prestigious Africa Fashion Week in London.
“Clothes are like art,” she says. “They can take a people’s story to the global stage.”
–Dennis Musau