Born at Wallendenbeen station near Wallendbeen, the second son to pastoralist Alexander Mackay and Annie Mackenzie,[1] he attended Camden College and Sydney Grammar School before farming at his father's property.

[3] He died at Cootamundra in 1935, survived by his wife and two daughters (Annie Mabel Baldry and Agnes Jean).

[11] He saw action at Elands River, was mentioned in despatches,[12] and made a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB).

[13] Mackay was awarded the South African War Medal with four clasps,[3] (Rhodesia, Transvaal, Orange River Colony and Cape Colony)[12] Whilst in South Africa he stood as a candidate for the Australian Senate at the 1901 election, but was unsuccessful.

[19] Kenneth Mackay published three books of poetry, including Stirrup jingles of sporting and bush verse, and two novels from 1887 to 1908.