Tatu City residential development planned for Nairobi

Developer Renaissance Partners and Kenyan partner Tatu City Ltd have unveiled plans for a new 10 km2 mixed-use development in the Greater Nairobi area of Kenya. The Tatu City scheme will see homes for 62000 people built over eight to ten years in with an investment of between US$ 12 billion and US$ 15 billion.

Renaissance Group CEO Stephen Jennings said, "Tatu City is not only a city of the future, it is a demonstration of the positive investment climate in Kenya and across Africa. Renaissance is pleased to partner in a project setting the standard for innovative land development in Africa."

Arnold Meyer, head of real estate for renaissance partners added, "There is a need for the development of new cities which promote the principles of walk ability and de-emphasise the use of automobiles. The foundation of the Tatu City plan is based on a mix of land uses which essentially create small village type communities supported by a range of housing. More importantly, the design was guided by the principles of feasibility, functionality, sustainability and desirability."

The scheme will be constructed in ten phases, some of which may be developed simultaneously. Among the guiding principles of the project is that over 30% of the land will be set aside for green spaces, with a further 15% dedicated to infrastructure. It will also be linked to Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport via the city's eastern bypass.