Tatu City invests Sh2.2b to develop initial infrastructure

*A sign board and a section of Tatu City* PHOTO;WILBERFORCE OKWIRI

Real estate developer Tatu City is investing Sh2.2 billion in initial infrastructure ahead of rolling out major projects in June. The developers say they expect major residential and commercial projects to kick off by June and that close to half of the 2,500 acres of land is already sold out.

Rendeavour Country Head Nick Langford said they want to ensure there is water, roads, sewerage line and power supply before the projects kick off. "Infrastructure is key for such development and that is why we working to ensure it is in place. Sewerage system is almost 70 percent complete and we hope to kick off soon," said Langford.

He said they intend to invest Sh17 billion in the next five years in development of the projects. He said this at their Tatu City offices in Ruiru when he took journalists on a tour of the project.

Langford said they have signed 44 leases so far and intend to sign more. He added they would build eight schools, clinics and other social amenities to cater for the 70,000 expected residents. "Nairobi is congested and we expect Tatu City to be the next place to be. Apart from 70,000 residents here, we will be expecting 20,000 visitors to the parks we are developing."

He said the residential houses will be developed in controlled manner to meet some agreed standards. So far, consumer goods manufacturer Unilever East Africa has acquired a 70-acre piece of land there setting the stage for its Sh17 billion expansion plans. The multinational is expected to build a new factory in the location in the medium term, replacing the current plant it has operated at Nairobi's Industrial Area for decades.

This will be part of the Sh17 billion investments in Kenya announced by its global chief executive Paul Polman in 2014. Unilever estimates the current demand for its products in East Africa at 80,000 tonnes a year, spanning cooking fats, sauces, beauty and personal care categories.