Details Emerge on Kenyatta Family's 'Dream City' Project
The Kenyatta family's ambitious project, Northlands city, is currently under development and is projected to accommodate approximately 270,000 Kenyans. This expansive city, with an estimated cost of KSh 500 billion, is located in Ruiru, Kiambu county, near Kenyatta University.
The city will span more than 11,800 acres, incorporating residential, commercial, and industrial zones. A significant portion, 3,750 acres, is allocated for residential dwellings, prioritizing the needs of the expanding middle class while also catering to families, senior couples, and young professionals. The strategic plan includes provisions for less expensive housing to meet the needs of low-income earners, aiming to prevent the growth of unplanned slum areas.
Residential development includes high-density housing on 306 acres, featuring 6,980 dwelling units and 3,100 townhouses. Low-density housing is planned for 3,134 acres, consisting of 601 villas and 1,320 townhouses. Medium-density development will occupy 130 acres and include 670 townhouses and 368 apartment complexes. Residents in the high-density area will have access to a private airport.
Triad Architects is spearheading the Northlands city project. Established in 1963 by Graham McCullogh and Amyas Connel, the firm has a notable history, with Amyas Connel co-founding Connell, Ward and Lucas in 1933. Amyas later moved to Kenya in 1946, where he designed the country's parliament and other iconic buildings. Triad Architects is collaborating with GAPP Architects & Urban Planners, Kenmt Bill Engineers & Planners, and Mangat I.B. Patel & Partners to realize the Northlands project. Charles Ndungu is the project architect, and James Gitoho is the project partner. The development features a central spine road extending over 16 kilometers, with urban nodes at selected intervals and is divided into six precincts for phased development.
Other significant development projects are also underway in Kenya. GulfCap Real Estate is developing the LV Marina in Kisumu, a mixed-use project with 1,400 residential units, commercial structures, and public amenities. Additionally, Tatu City, a 5,000-acre mixed-use development and special economic zone (SEZ), is part of Kenya's Vision 2030 initiatives. The government is also constructing Konza Technopolis in Makueni county, often referred to as
