Dogs had been exhibited somewhat informally in Kenya at least since the foundation of the Agricultural and Horticultural Society in 1902 – without a Club or Rules to govern the proceedings. After the Show 13 enthusiasts decided to form an East Africa Kennel Club ‘For the purpose of Breeding and Exhibition of Thoroughbred Dogs’. It was agreed to adopt the English Kennel Club Rules and Regulations a
nd to apply for Affiliation. 13 people were present at this meeting. The first Committee Meeting was held three days later at the Norfolk Hotel, where East Africa Kennel Club Annual General Meetings were traditionally held for the next 55 years. On 3rd December, 1919, Local Rules were adopted and Officers elected. Greswold Williams was the first Chairman. Early Shows were held at the grounds of the Norfolk Hotel, the old Nairobi Racecourse – of which only the name ‘Racecourse Road’ remains today – as well as Jeevanjee Gardens and the Polo Ground at Nakuru. Many Shows were held in conjunction with the Agricultural Society Shows, a custom which continued into the 1930s. Affiliation with The Kennel Club, London was established in 1921.
