Atanas Kandie: A Pioneer Farmer in Keiyo and Uasin Gishu

 By William Kiptoo




William Kiptoo

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Atanas Kandie: A Pioneer Farmer in Keiyo and Uasin Gishu
Atanas Kandie was one of the most respected post-independence farmers in Keiyo and Uasin Gishu. Born in Elgeyo Marakwet during the colonial period, he served in the King's African Rifles during WWII, fighting overseas.
When he returned home, he used his savings to open a shop in the Keiyo reserve, later expanding to Kaptagat with a posho mill, transport business, and potato trade. By 1956, he had started investing in Eldoret town and ventured into dairy farming at Kaptarakwa, where he developed an intensive Guernsey dairy herd.
In 1963, Kandie made history by becoming one of the first Africans to buy a European-owned farm—800 acres from Cecil Walter. He later partnered with Bill Spencer (of the “Spencer Lines” legacy) to acquire more land, eventually owning a large, contiguous block of farmland.
He invested heavily in agriculture, real estate in Eldoret and Iten, and served on several local committees. Even after his tragic death in the early 1990s, his wife continued managing their productive Kaptarakwa farm.
His children attended top schools like Loreto Convent and Highlands School, reflecting his belief in education and progress.
Atanas Kandie’s legacy lives on, an African pioneer who rose from soldier to landowner, leaving a mark on the land and in history.

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