On the outskirts of Nairobi, Tatu City stands as a bold experiment in urbanization. Designed as a “startup city,” it is Kenya’s answer to the continent’s urbanization dilemma, where rapid city growth often outpaces the infrastructure and resources required to sustain it. For the 5,000 residents who have settled in Tatu since it opened four years ago, it offers a unique blend of law, order, and opportunity.
Spanning 2,023 hectares, Tatu City is not just a housing development but an aspirational city designed to host 250,000 people. It already houses 88 businesses employing 15,000 people, including a major call center and a medical supply manufacturer. Unlike many other urban developments in Africa, Tatu City has managed to avoid the disorder and neglect that plague many growing cities. Thanks to stringent enforcement of rules, including surveillance cameras to curb littering and speeding, Tatu has become a model of cleanliness and order, attracting those seeking a well-managed environment.
While Tatu City has progressed, its path has not been without challenges. In 2018, a dispute with Kenyan political figures delayed development, and last year, accusations of extortion from local government officials further marred the project’s reputation. However, Tatu’s growth is still seen as a promising step forward for African urbanization, with Tatu City serving as a potential model for other countries.
The core issue with urbanization in sub-Saharan Africa is that cities often grow without the necessary financial infrastructure to support them. With the continent’s urban population expected to grow by 900 million by 2050, cities like Tatu aim to tackle these challenges by offering comprehensive infrastructure and a mix of public and private investments.
The success of Tatu City lies in its strategic location, 19 kilometers from Nairobi, offering a bridge to the capital’s labor market. It also ensures inclusivity through its partnership with the Kenyan government, which has designated Tatu as a special economic zone, providing tax incentives for businesses.
However, experts stress that for such “startup cities” to have lasting impact, they must be inclusive. While Tatu offers opportunities for the emerging middle class, its property prices remain out of reach for many Kenyans. Still, Tatu’s approach to urbanization, integrating effective governance, infrastructure, and business opportunities, shows a promising future for African cities grappling with rapid growth and poverty.
