Web - Kenya Regiment KR 3253

All Souls Cathedral, Machakos - Norman Clifford Hill, of Katelembo, Machakos, 9-5-1915 - 2-6-1969, aged 54

Appreciation - Norman Hill, who died recently, was born in 1915, the son of an early Kenya pioneering family. He was educated at the Prince of Wales School and at the College of Agriculture  at Cedara, where he was awarded a gold medal. His earlier life included Army service and several years working for the Veterinary and Agricultural Departments. He was closely associated, as a field officer, with the dried vegetable project at Karatina and he was, for a time, resident at Egerton College where he frequently lectured. It was not, however, until 1947 that he started on the work he really loved - farming. At first he worked for his father at Katelembo, Machakos but he later took over that farm and also that of his uncle. Those are the brief facts of Norman's life, to which can be added that he was a good all-round sportsman, being particularly keen on golf, tennis and cricket. After his active playing days he put back what he had enjoyed from his games, and his work in this respect was recognised and admired by sportsmen throughout East Africa.

In 1968 he was honoured by being made the president of Kenya Kongonis Cricket Club. He was also made a member of the Kenya Golfing Society in appreciation of his services to the game in Kenya. His interest in the Machakos Club was constant and active and he was many times president of the Club. To list his many appointments on agricultural boards and committees would require more space than is available here. It must suffice to say that he never spared himself or his time in this respect and his forthright and practical approach to problems was as effective as it was refreshing.

Norman was a true son of Kenya and he took the earliest opportunity to become a citizen. He loved the country, the land and the people who worked on it. His farming was carefully planned, diligently executed and successful but success to him meant land well tended and the men who worked it in good heart, and never quick returns at the expense of either. What he dug back to strengthen the land and to hearten his fellow workers is there for all to see and a more eloquent tribute to him than anything we can write. Machakos and Kenya have lost a leading farmer and a kindly and courageous very human man who was above all dedicated to Kenya and the land. His unfailing encouragement and practical help to his neighbours and all sections of the community will not be forgotten. We mourn his passing and express our deepest sympathy to his family - PHL, CHJW [CHJ Wood] and PW.

Gazette 6 Dec 1938 Ukamba Voters List

Gazette 15 Aug 1969 probate