The Lochab Bros family company, Eldoret

Compiled by William Kiptoo

Source: 

LOCHAB BROS is one of the big names among the pioneer settlers of Eldoret from India. They represent the various business of the family and signifies the strength and unity of the Joint family System to everyone. The unique system in the Lochabs is that they stay with their families under the same roof and eat together from the food of the same kitchen.

Family history dates to 1887, when the pioneer, Late Mr Hira Singh Lochab came from Ishapur, Punjab, to make a fortune in Kenya. His son Late Mr Ghumand Singh Lochab joined the Marine Department of Kenya Railways. At that time, Kenya was the HQ of the East African Community, and it was difficult to get a technical job under the colonial system and by dint of his hard work and dedication, he rose to the position of 2nd Engineer, which was generally reserved for the Britishers. He worked for the Railways in Uganda and Kenya till 1939 and started a Sawmill in partnership at Kaptagat.

In 1941, he came to Eldoret to start the transport business and acquired a quarry in 1952 when his son Late Mr Naranjan Singh Lochab joined him. He bought a Farm at Eldoret after the Independence of Kenya. Late Ghumand Singh was the founder member of Sikh Union Club, started in 1954 and took lots of interest in the social and community work.

The transport business proved to be the lifeline for the family business of Lochabs. After the demise of Mr Ghumand Singh in 1966, the sons went into partnership to form M/S LOCHAB BROS, wherein all the brothers became equal partners in this business with six trucks.

In 1996, the business was converted to a Private Limited Company, called M/S LOCHAB BROS COMPANY LIMTED, wherein only the family members became the shareholders. Thus, from a single Pick-up in 1941, the business grew to a commendable fleet of 120 trucks operating in and around Kenya, hauling goods and containers over long distances to Uganda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and other neighbouring countries. Lochab trucks carrying logs for the Pan African paper Mills and Kenya Power & Lighting and Petrol tankers in Kenya is a common sight.

The dynamic vision of the Lochabs diversified their transport activities to Agriculture, Horticulture and I Manufacturing industry such as the 10,000 Acres Wheat farm in Narok, Eagle Retread Limited, Bahati Quarry, Eldoret Bearing and Tools, Kitale Timber, U.G. Timber and Joinery Works, Slumberdown Industries, Lochab Gardens ( Rose] Farming at Eldoret) and Lochab Investments Ltd.

Lochabs also have the following Joint Venture Projects with the Shah family of Ken-Knit group of Eldoret: Eltex (EPZ) Ltd - a cotton Yarn Mill in the Export - promotion Zone at Athi River, near Nairobi, Eldoret Steel Mills - a composite Mill with Arc, Furnace and Rolling Mills, Amkura Ginners Ltd, a company to feed the cotton requirement of Eltex.

In 1966 it was awarded the First Prize - a gold Trophy for being the Best Local Investor between 1991 and 1995.

Lochabs name is quite famous on the Car Rally scene. This being their main hobby. In 1971, they started competing in small rallies with Mr Narinder Singh as the Driver, and Mr Amarjit Singh as the Navigator. Soon other brothers Hardial Singh and Ranjit Singh took interest. In 1982, Serviced by the family team, and led by Mr Hardial Singh, they competed in the World Class Safari Rally, an international event mostly participated by the foreign professionals.

In their first attempt, they were placed in 10th overall and awarded the 'Best Local Crew' trophy. Ever since, the Lochabs have won many local rallies, and still hold the record for 'Best Hill Climbing' in Kenya.

The Lochab pattern of the family set-up based on common understanding and discipline owes much to her everlasting teaching for being united under a common roof.

After the death of her husband, Mrs Dhan Kaur Lochab led the family in all matters till her death in 1996. She was associated with various religious and Philanthropic work, laid the foundation stone of the 'Gulab Lochab Academy' which is acclaimed today as one of the outstanding schools in Kenya.

She also took keen interest in the extension of the Gurudwara with a hall and flats and was connected with various donation work. She was fondly called Mata Dhan Kaur by the Eldoret residents. She was respected by elders and loved by the children. Many residents used to come to her for her counsel on various matters. Even after her demise, the business family of Lochabs has continued to live as single unit. The torches of the family bondage have been cemented with sons and their wives.

Truly, the Lochab family is a unique example of unity, common understanding, Obedience to Superior and individual respect.

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