Fred Ranch and Resort is a phenomenal getaway destination for urban dwellers seeking a deserved family rest from the buzzing noise and smoke of the city. The self-made paradise sits on 10 acres of land at Kisaju in Isinya, Kajiado County. Veteran media personality Fred Machoka and his wife Sophia say they erected the nature-filled facility with unceasing love.
It is now decades since Machoka started hosting the famed Roga Roga, Rhumba Show, on the RMS-owned Radio Citizen and Citizen Television. He would eventually actualize the dream of owning a uniquely profitable venture in the hospitality sector.
Fred Ranch and Resort Photos
On a normal day, Fred’s Ranch is a beehive of activities ranging from traditional meals to team building and agri-tourism.
The resulting experience blends a tagline ‘Feels Just Like Grandma’s!”
Executives at the luxurious resort include Fred’s three children Marvin, Victor, Angela, and Victor’s wife, Linda Machoka.
Executive at Fred’s Ranch
Role
Designate
Managing Director
Victor Machoka
Sales & Marketing Director
Linda Machoka
School Administrator
Elsie Jelagat
Food & Beverage Manager
Anthony Kaoneka
There are more job vacancies at Fred’s Ranch for qualified applicants.
Fred Machoka’s son Victor narrates that it all started as a small farm before it blossomed into a multi-million-dollar business.
“My parents have had this land for many years. We are talking about it since the 90s. When they moved here, they embarked on a little bit of farming. This attracted a lot of visitors to the ranch, who enjoyed sightseeing and farm excursions. The remaining question was: Why not have people come in to also eat and we can make money out of it?”
Victor Machoka.
Speaking to the media, hotelier Victor intimated that Fred’s Ranch was officially launched on February 14, 2016.
“My mum is the landscaper here and she knows every tree on this ground by name. She planted almost every tree here by herself.”
Victor Machoka.
On his part, Victor brags about an outgoing personality with tendencies to meet new people and enjoy their company.
His habit of visiting every table to ensure proper service says no less.
“We want to make people feel like they are home, that’s why our tagline is ‘Feels just like Grandma’s.”
Victor Machoka.
He adds that resources were initially a limiting factor but not a deterrent.
Somehow, the Machoka family managed to pull up the investment.
“It has been a bit hard advancing the business without help from financial intermediaries. We have had minimal help from banks, but most of the finances have been from the pocket; from mum and dad’s pockets, mostly.”
Victor Machoka.
Fred Ranch activities are limitless for hundreds of visitors streaming in regularly.
On top of that are training programs for curious visitors.
Experienced staff members are mostly ready with info on organic farming.
“We also do educational farm tours, where guests come and see intensive dairy farming, poultry farming and come and see how we grow our crops… Our food is farm to fork. 60 percent of what is on your plate is from our farm.”
Victor Machoka.
Fred’s Ranch menu prices are average for a range of healthy delicacies served to guests. Accommodation rates are equally pocket-friendly.
Within Fred’s Ranch is an established school of hospitality, where students are trained and offered scholarships.
Effective 2021, the school offers diploma and certificate courses in the front office, food production beverage service sales, and food production.
The exciting history of Fred’s Ranch
In 1993, Obachi acquired a 50-acre deserted piece of land at the cost of Ksh. 47,500 per acre.
Choosing to take the risk with this low-value piece of land did not make sense to his friends at the time.
Obachi reportedly secured a loan of Ksh. 1.5 million to buy the Isinya property.
Things did not work out well because of excessive loan interests.
He recalls struggling to pay the loan, which eventually accumulated to Ksh. 7.5 million.
The desperate Obachi sold off 30 acres to clear the loan and develop the remaining 20 acres.
A haven for celebrities
The ranch launched officially in 2016 and has so far played host to top dignitaries such as Raila Odinga and his NASA brigade.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has also visited the ranch before. Others who have opened the ranch doors are Daniel Ndambuki Churchill, Willis Raburu, and Willy M Tuva.
Fred’s Ranch contacts
Telephone
+254792564243
Mobile
+254791323785
Email
info@fredsranch.co.ke
Website
https://fredsranch.co.ke
Photos of Fred Ranch and Resort are exquisite with décor and elegance. One wonders how the family managed to turn a once deserted Isinya into a post-modern joint.
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