Kenya’s urban landscape is rapidly evolving, marked by the rise of ambitious new cities like Northlands City and Tatu City.
While these developments promise modern infrastructure, economic opportunities and a higher quality of life, questions surrounding their ownership structures are increasingly pertinent.
In this article, WoK delves into the ownership of key urban projects like the Kenyatta family-owned Northlands City and the multi-national Tatu City, exploring the complexities, benefits.
1. Northlands City
Northlands City is a large, mixed-use real estate development project in Ruiru, Kenya, owned by the Kenyatta family.
The project, estimated to cost Sh500 billion, is situated on 11,576 acres of land approximately 15km from Nairobi’s city center.
Northlands City is planned to include residential, industrial, and commercial zones, aiming to accommodate around 250,000 residents.
The master plan allocates land for various uses, including housing, a business district, an industrial park, open recreational space and wildlife conservation/agriculture.
The residential area includes low-density (villas, townhouses), medium-density (townhouses, flats), and high-density housing (flats, townhouses).
An industrial park covering 695 acres is planned, with 650 acres for a logistics park.
Additionally, 1,697 acres are designated for open recreational space, including water features.
The largest portion of land, 5,156 acres, is set aside for wildlife conservation and agriculture, with Gicheha Farm as the main occupant.
Northlands Heights Apartments, the first major project, offers studios, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units.
2. The LV Marina
The LV Marina is a large, mixed-use development project under construction in Kisumu, Kenya, officially launched by GulfCap Real Estate.
Projected to be the largest of its kind in Kenya, the project is estimated to require a total investment of Ksh 120 billion and is expected to redefine the urban landscape over six years, with the initial phase valued at Ksh 40 billion.
The real estate project will be developed on a 285-acre parcel of land owned by the late former prime minister Raila Odinga’s family.
The LV Marina will include light industrial parks, recreational areas, and fishing clubs.
It is designed to foster regional growth and enhance living standards. According to GulfCap Real Estate, LV Marina aims to be a place where every economic class finds its place within a thriving, inclusive community.
GulfCap Real Estate is the developer behind the LV Marina, with Suleiman Shahbal as the Founder and Chairman, and Chris Ochieng as the CEO.
3. Tatu City
Tatu City is a 5,000-acre mixed-use development and special economic zone (SEZ) situated 20 kilometers north of Nairobi’s central business district, within the Ruiru Municipality area of Kiambu County.
It’s recognized as a key project in line with Kenya’s Vision 2030 plan.
The ownership and development of Tatu City are managed by Rendeavour, known as Africa’s largest new city builder.
From 2008 to 2010, the land for Tatu City and adjacent coffee farms was acquired by a group of investors, now represented by Rendeavour.
The initial purchase involved Rendeavour paying $21.7 million for the Tatu City land and $65.7 million for the Kofinaf land, with Socfinaf, a Belgian producer of coffee and rubber, as the seller.
Cedar IV Limited, a subsidiary fully owned by Renaissance Group, holds the majority stake (99.99%) in Tatu City Limited, according to court documents.
The remaining shares are distributed among individuals like Stephen Mbugua Mwagiru, Nahashon Nyaga, Vimal Shah, and others, each holding a single share in the firm.
Renaissance Capital possesses a 50% stake in Tatu City, with the other half divided among Vimal Shah, Nahashon Nyaga, and Stephen Mwagiru.
4. Konza Technopolis
Konza Technopolis, also known as “Silicon Savannah,” is a large technology hub being developed by the Kenyan government 64 km south of Nairobi, towards Mombasa.
It is a key project in Kenya’s Vision 2030 economic development plan and is envisioned as a world-class smart city driven by a thriving ICT sector, reliable infrastructure, and business-friendly governance.
The Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) was established to manage and oversee the implementation of the Konza Technopolis Master Plan.
KoTDA is responsible for establishing the zone’s value proposition, as a valuable location to investors.
Regarding ownership, there is no individual ownership of land in Konza Technopolis. Land is leased from the government through KoTDA via 21, 60, and 90-year leases.
KoTDA negotiates sub-leases with property developers for parcel development.
An EPZ (Export Processing Zone) firm within Konza may be 100% foreign-owned, 100% Kenyan-owned, or a combination.
5. Tilisi
Tilisi is a 400-acre, master-planned, mixed-use development situated 30 kms from Nairobi.
It is designed as a sustainable and integrated “15-minute city” that blends residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational spaces.
Tilisi aims to provide an urban experience in a serene environment, with essential services and amenities located within a short distance.
Tilisi sells fully serviced land parcels to developers for various uses, including logistics, residential, commercial, educational, medical, retail, hospitality, and recreational facilities.
The development has invested significantly in building infrastructure.
Tilisi Development Company is run by CEO Graeme Reid, and consulting urban designer and lead architect Henry Musangi.
Tilisi is owned and managed by a consortium of experienced Nairobi-based developers, including Chigwell Holdings, Greenspan Investment Limited, and Solitaire Developments Limited.
