Kericho Golf Club | Kericho

Information

Landmark: Kericho Golf Club
City: Kericho
Country: Kenya
Continent: Africa

Kericho Golf Club, Kericho, Kenya, Africa

Kericho Golf Club is a golf course located in the town of Kericho, Kenya.

It is situated at an elevation of approximately 2,000 meters above sea level.

Visual Characteristics

The course features well-maintained fairways and greens, primarily composed of kikuyu grass. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rolling hills and tea plantations, with mature trees lining some of the holes. The clubhouse is a colonial-era building constructed with red brick and white trim.

Location & Access Logistics

The club is located approximately 2 kilometers west of Kericho town center. Access is via the B1 Kericho-Kisumu road. Turn off onto the signposted road leading to the golf club. Ample parking is available on-site. Public transport to Kericho town is available via bus services from major cities like Nairobi and Kisumu; from the town center, a short taxi ride or a 20-minute walk will reach the club.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Kericho Golf Club was established in 1922 by British colonial settlers. Its original purpose was to provide recreational facilities for the expatriate community managing the surrounding tea estates. The land is part of the highlands of the Great Rift Valley, known for its fertile volcanic soil and consistent rainfall, which supports the dense tea cultivation and the golf course's lush vegetation.

Key Highlights & Activities

The primary activity is playing golf on the 18-hole course. The club also offers practice facilities, including a driving range and putting green. Visitors can utilize the clubhouse for dining and refreshments. The course is suitable for players of all skill levels.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The clubhouse provides restroom facilities, a bar, and a restaurant. Shaded areas are available on some parts of the course near the clubhouse. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally reliable within the club premises. Food vendors are not typically present on the course itself, but the clubhouse offers food and beverages.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is generally in the morning or late afternoon when the sunlight is softer and casts longer shadows across the fairways. The best months for playing golf are during the drier periods, from January to March and July to October. Rainfall is common year-round, so be prepared for occasional showers.

Facts & Legends

A notable historical oddity is the club's role as a meeting point for tea estate managers during the colonial era, where business and social matters were often discussed over rounds of golf. The course's elevation means that golf balls tend to travel further than at sea level.