The Delamere family is one of Kenya’s most well-known and controversial families. From their vast Soysambu ranch to their dairy business, the Delamere’s have been the topic of discussion for many years.

Although they have contributed significantly to the Kenyan agricultural sector, the family’s controversies have overshadowed their achievements.

 This article will take a closer look at the Delamere family’s history, controversies, and contributions.

History

The Delamere family’s history dates back to the early 20th century when the first Lord Delamere settled in Kenya. He first came to Kenya in the late 19th century to explore his passion for hunting. 

Despite being attacked by a lion, he fell in love with the country’s beauty and settled there. He ventured into farming, and although he experienced numerous failures, he did not give up. Unfortunately, he died bankrupt.

Following his father’s death, Thomas Cholmondeley eventually moved to Kenya after World War II and turned Soysambu into a successful ranch amidst numerous challenges.

 He would be credited in several publications for contributing much to the Kenyan Agricultural sector. Following his death, his only son Hugh inherited the ranch.

Controversies 

The Delamere family has been involved in several controversies, most notably the infamous case of Tom Delamere shooting and killing two people on their ranch. 

This led to a boycott of their dairy products, forcing them to lease their dairy business to Brookside and move some of their stock to Njoro. The family has also been speculated to have sold their milk business to Brookside, which is majority-owned by the Kenyatta family. 

In 2017, it was reported that Brookside had acquired the Delamere yogurt brand.

Subdividing the Property

In 2013, the Delamere family subdivided their Naivasha farm as part of a succession plan and registered a new company to inherit their livestock and real estate properties. The family also donated some of their lands to a local school and sold some to retiring staff at discounted prices.

 The Delamere family leased part of their land to various hospitality businesses.

Sale to Brookside

 The Delamere family’s dairy business has been in the spotlight for many years.

 In 2017, Business Daily reported that Brookside had acquired the Delamere yogurt brand. Although details of the deal remained scanty, an event held by Delamere to launch the new yogurt varieties further served to prove they had sold to Brookside. 

The famous yogurt brand is now under the Kenyatta-owned company.

Donating and Selling Part of the Land

Part of the vast Delamere estate was donated to a local school named after the family matriarch Lady Ann Delamere. A further 5,000 acres were subdivided and sold to retiring staff at discounted prices by a local Sacco. The family was too, later on, sell 300 acres to the government near Nakuru town that hosts Delamere Girls and an airstrip. The Delamere’s leased part of their land to Serena hotel, Mawe mbili camp, and Mbweha camp.