At just 17 years old, Abdullahi Alim Haji, a Form Four student at Mandera Secondary School, has achieved what many only dream of—he’s the author of a published poetry book that’s now making waves across Kenya.

Titled “The Generation of Today and 99 Other Poems,” the book is a collection of poems that tackle some of the most pressing issues facing most societies around the world today. They include tribalism, corruption, drug abuse, and immorality.

But beyond the critique, Abdullahi’s work is deeply motivational, especially for his peers.

“I saw myself as someone with the potential to write,” said Abdullahi.

“I felt the need to address my community on pressing issues like tribalism. Many young people believe they can't make it. Through this book, I wanted to tell them we are not inferior in intelligence, productivity, or creativity,” he told Radio Generation.

Abdullahi began writing in mid-2022, when he was just 14 years old and in Form One.

Over the next two years, he devoted break times and lunch breaks at school to crafting his poems.

“It wasn’t an easy journey,” he recalls. “But I had to push through by all means, with the help of Allah and my teachers.”

Despite English not being his first language, Abdullahi mastered the art of rhyme and meaning, blending poetic form with strong content.

“When you have the talent and the desire to achieve something, it becomes possible,” he reflects.

His biggest supporters were his teachers at Mandera Secondary School, notably Ahmed Kassim Arale and Hussein Maalim Edha.

“They were my two shoulders to lean on, always correcting my writing and inspiring me to do more,” Abdullahi says with gratitude.

But the journey was not without its challenges. “Discouragement from peers was something I had to deal with. I always ignored anyone who tried to divert me from my goals,” he says.

“I knew I was doing the right thing and saw no need to listen to negativity.”

Funding the book also posed a significant hurdle. It was his school principal, Mr. Noor Sheikh Abdi, who stepped in and ensured the publication dream came true.

“My teachers provided guidance and financial support to help turn my dream into reality. My school was my home throughout the journey,” he says.

The impact of the book has been profound—both on Abdullahi’s life and on the community that has embraced his work.

“It’s a dream come true to see my people celebrate my success and read my work,” he shares.

And he’s far from done. “Yes, I am willing to continue writing, as this is a passion for me,” he confirms. “Many books are coming in the near future—poetry, plays, short stories, and novels.”

Abdullahi also has a message for other young people: “The world out there is waiting to see your talents. Whatever you see in the world today was once just an imagination, until someone stood up while others made noise and turned that imagination into reality.

Don’t wait for anyone to tell you to start. Don’t tell yourself you are just in school — school is where talents are nurtured, not where they are buried. Start from where you are. Don’t be afraid of failure. They say, ‘Try and fail, but never fail to try.”

In a time when youth in Northern Kenya are often overshadowed by stories of hardship, Abdullahi Alim Haji offers a new narrative—one of creativity, determination, and hope.

His story proves that with support, purpose, and passion, young people can rise, create, and inspire.