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The Ranch
Sosian is located in the centre of the
Laikipia plateau, which boasts one of the finest climates in the world: at
an average elevation of 6000 feet, the temperature rises to the high 80's Fahrenheit,
30 centigrade, during the day, with cool clear evenings dropping down to
the low 50's, 10 centigrade. The humidity is always low and there is
usually a cool breeze at the height of the dry season while higher humidity
during the wet season is tempered by cooler temperatures.
Sosian Ranch was started by Major
Gerald Edwards around 1920, when land was first granted to Europeans who
settled in the Rumuruti district. Part of Sosian became Loisaba Ranch,
while the remaining part of the original ranch was retained by Major
Edwards, who lived in the ranch house until he died in 1977. His nephew
David inherited the ranch and lived there until he died in 1983, when it
was acquired by the Kairu family.
In 2001, Sosian was purchased by a
diverse group of shareholders with the aim of restoring the ranch back to
its original state of health and sharing it with visitors.
Sosian works closely with the local
Laikipiak Masai and Samburu tribes by providing employment and allowing
grazing by neighbors during times of drought. In addition, Sosian has
formed a water association with the local communities to save the river and
swamp on the ranch and has started a tree nursery.
A Working Ranch
Sosian raises a variety of livestock,
including Boran cattle , Masai Red sheep, and Galla goats. It also has
horses for riding and camels that can be used for camel
safaris.
Sosian is leading the way in reducing
human-predator conflict and livestock losses by building
innovative predator-resistant bomas.
Other ventures include biltong and
honey production for the ranch house, with carpet and furniture making
planned for the future.
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