I vowed that, in 2025, I will explore as many Kenyan counties as possible. My first stop was Nakuru, and no, I did not go to Naivasha! I went to Njoro.
Nestled in the serene hills of Njoro, Nakuru County, lies Lord Egerton Castle, a historical landmark steeped in tales of love, heartbreak, and unwavering determination.
As we approached the gates, the towering stone walls and sprawling grounds hinted at the greatness that once was. We paid an entrance fee of Sh250 per adult, and we were on our way into a castle for the very first time in our lives.
I had read a little bit about the castle and its history, and I was super excited to see it in real life.
Notably, we observed the absence of tour guides, necessitating us to explore the castle independently.
Fortunately, my friend, who grew up in Njoro, had the privilege of visiting the castle multiple times before with a knowledgeable guide. He was well-versed in the castle and its history.
The castle's exterior is a testament to Lord Maurice Egerton's vision of luxury. Built between 1938 and 1954, this architectural marvel was meant to woo a lady who, sadly, rejected the Baron.
We started our tour from the very first house that Lord Egerton had, which was a small one-bedroom house with a clay firewood kitchen. Standing outside, one can't help but imagine the romantic tragedy that unfolded here.
The house is currently run down, and signs of neglect are evident.
This was the same case with the second house, though it was bigger, a bit more modern, and with intricate designs.
When we finally started exploring the castle, which is the third house that Lord Egerton built, I was dumbfounded! Inside, the castle's layout remains impressive, even in its current state.
The balcony on the third floor of Lord Egerton castle in Ngata farm within Rongai Sub County.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Lord Egerton took 16 years to build the 52-room masterpiece with imported building material from England. Inside, the castle boasted polished wooden floors, majestic ceilings, luxurious marble bathtubs, and exquisite vintage furniture, including authentic doorknobs imported from England.
He truly spared no expense in constructing the castle. Some items, like his bed and mattress, travel suitcase, and photos, are still in his master bedroom.
Of the 52 rooms, what stuck out to me was the wine cellar, the dark room where he used to process photos, and the ballroom area where he used to host parties. Each room told a silent story. Yet, the neglect was hard to ignore—dusty corners, broken windowpanes and floors, and damp patches silently cried out for restoration.
The highlight of my visit, however, was climbing to the top of the castle. The view was breathtaking; a panoramic sweep of the surrounding countryside, with distant hills fading into the horizon, offering a glimpse of why Lord Egerton chose this spot.
The endless green lawns were the only thing I could say was still well maintained, as they were dotted with blooming flowers and trees.
A few people could be seen enjoying a picnic while others were playing football in the well-manicured fields. We also noted a small canteen where people could buy snacks as they toured the castle.
The tour was satisfactory but it lacked engagement. Charging Sh250 per adult is reasonable, but the lack of a guide or proper maintenance feels like a disservice to the castle's legacy.
We felt that if they employed knowledgeable tour guides, added a gift shop, or opened a restaurant like Tafaria Castle in Nyeri, the castle would attract more people, making enough money for its maintenance and restoration.
But, despite the flaws, it was a great place to visit and see the lengths people would go to for love. If you ever find yourself in Nakuru, do yourself a favour and visit.
