Gicheha Farm, a vast agricultural enterprise linked to former president Uhuru Kenyatta’s family, is one of the most significant features within the ambitious Northlands City project located in Ruiru, Kiambu County. The farm sits on thousands of acres and continues to play a central role in blending large scale farming with modern urban development.
The Northlands City project, which covers approximately 11,000 acres, is envisioned as a KSh 500 billion smart city incorporating residential, industrial, and commercial zones. Within this expansive development lies Gicheha Farm, occupying about 5,000 acres dedicated to agriculture and conservation.
Gicheha Farm is primarily focused on livestock production, hosting large numbers of cattle, sheep, and goats. The farm serves as a key agricultural hub, demonstrating how food production can be sustained even as urbanisation expands. Its strategic location within Northlands ensures that agriculture remains a core pillar of the larger development plan.
One of the major aspects of the farm is its role in the dairy value chain. Its proximity to Brookside Dairy positions it within a wider network of milk production and processing. The farm contributes to milk supply within the ecosystem while complementing deliveries from farmers across the country.
Although the farm occasionally sells livestock to the public, much of its operations remain largely private. Its scale and organisation highlight the level of investment that has gone into making it one of the most notable privately owned farms in Kenya.
Gicheha Farm attracted national attention in March 2023 following an invasion by a group of individuals who stormed the property near the Eastern Bypass. During the incident, livestock was stolen and some animals were slaughtered, while sections of the farm were destroyed.
Reports indicated that about 1,400 Dorper sheep, valued at approximately KSh 70 million, were taken during the chaos. Some of the animals were allegedly sold at throwaway prices, while others were later recovered.
The invasion sparked widespread reactions across the country, raising concerns about property rights and security. President William Ruto condemned the incident, stating that such actions were unconstitutional and assuring Kenyans that the government would uphold the rule of law.
Later, Uhuru Kenyatta also spoke about the matter, warning those responsible and signalling that such incidents should not be repeated.
Despite the controversy, Gicheha Farm remains a key component of Northlands City. Its presence reflects a broader vision where agriculture is not displaced by urban growth but instead integrated into it.
As the Northlands project continues to take shape, Gicheha Farm stands as a symbol of large scale farming within a modern city setting, underscoring the importance of agriculture in Kenya’s economic future.