Sosian Ranch began in 1920 by Major Gerald Edwards when land was first granted to Europeans who settled in the Rumuruti district after the First World War. In those days Laikipia was several days drive from Nairobi, communications were virtually non-existent and cattle ranching in Northern Kenya was a seriously adventurous pastime. Major Edwards died in 1977 when the land underwent a series of neglect and over-grazing and was eventually abandoned altogether and fell into ruin.

After a severe drought in the late 1990’s and no management of the ranch, there was very little grassland or vegetation remaining and even local pastoralists who migrate through Laikipia with their cattle had abandoned the ranch as there was not a blade of grass left.

Sosian came up for sale at this time and was purchased in 2001 by a diverse group of shareholders with the aim of restoring the ecology of the ranch and focusing on eco-tourism. The old ranch-house was completely re-built and after 7 years of successful management and good rains the vegetation has flourished. The wildlife of Sosian (including several endangered species) has increased in great numbers and there are now over 100 people employed on the ranch in tourism, cattle-ranching, anti-poaching and security.