From Vision to Reality: The journey of Fred Obachi Machoka and Fred’s Ranch

In 1993, renowned broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka took a bold step into real estate by purchasing 50 acres of land in Kisaju, Isinya, Kajiado County, at KSh 47,500 per acre—a considerable investment for that time. Despite the area’s underdeveloped state, characterized by limited infrastructure and a bushy landscape, Machoka and his wife, Sophie, envisioned a prosperous future for their investment.

To finance this ambitious purchase, Machoka secured a KSh 1.6 million loan from the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC). However, as time went on, the burden of accruing interest saw the debt balloon to KSh 7.5 million. Faced with this financial challenge, Machoka made the difficult decision to sell 30 acres of the property. This strategic move allowed him to repay the loan and fund the initial phases of his project, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to his vision.

Today, the remaining 20 acres of land have been transformed into the flourishing Fred’s Ranch, a testament to Machoka’s foresight and hard work. The ranch now boasts a restaurant, a dairy farm, and various amenities that cater to the community and visitors alike. The restaurant has become a popular destination, known for its delicious meals and serene environment, drawing in food enthusiasts and families looking for a weekend getaway.

The dairy farm at Fred’s Ranch stands out for its commitment to quality and sustainability. It provides fresh milk and dairy products to the local market, contributing to the region’s agricultural landscape and offering employment opportunities to the surrounding community.

The property’s value has appreciated significantly over the past three decades, reflecting the broader development of the area. Once seen as a risky investment, the land has now become a sought-after location as Kajiado County continues to evolve, attracting more residents and businesses due to its proximity to Nairobi.

Machoka’s journey is not just a story of financial investment; it is one of vision, perseverance, and community building. From the initial struggles to the eventual success of Fred’s Ranch, he has shown that with determination and strategic planning, dreams can indeed become reality.

As Fred’s Ranch continues to grow, it stands as an inspiring example of how a vision for the future, paired with hard work and resilience, can lead to remarkable achievements, benefiting not just the individual, but the community at large.