Japhet Ruto, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than eight years of expertise in finance, business, and technology journalism in Kenya and globally.

The Kenyatta family is expanding their empire by constructing their KSh 500 billion dream city in Ruiru, Kiambu county, near Kenyatta University.

The city would span more than 11,800 acres and house approximately 270,000 people in residential, commercial, and industrial zones.

According to the city's master plan, 3,750 acres will be used to construct residential dwellings.

"While addressing the needs of the expanding middle class will be the main priority, other regions will cater to families, senior couples, and young professionals. Areas with less expensive housing will also be made available to meet the needs of low-income earners and prevent the growth of unplanned slum areas," the city's strategic plan states, as reported by Business Daily.

High-density housing is being constructed on 306 acres, while low-density housing, comprising 601 villas and 1,320 townhouses, is being built on 3,134 acres.

Medium-density development, on the other hand, would occupy 130 acres and consist of 670 townhouses and 368 apartment complexes.

Residents will be able to access the 6,980 dwelling units and 3,100 townhouses in the high-density area via a private airport.

Triad Architects is the firm leading the project.

The construction company was established in 1963 by Graham McCullogh and Amyas Connel.

Amyas began his architectural practice in 1929 and, by 1933, co-founded the iconic firm Connell, Ward and Lucas.

In 1946, he moved to Kenya, where he designed the country's parliament and other iconic buildings.

Triad has collaborated with GAPP Architects & Urban Planners, Kenmt Bill Engineers & Planners, Mangat I.B. Patel & Partners to actualise the multibillion-shilling Northlands project.

Charles Ndungu serves as the project architect, with James Gitoho as the project partner.

"Northlands is planned with a central spine road that runs over 16 kilometres long, with urban nodes occurring at selected intervals. The development is divided into six precincts, which will be used for the project phases," it stated on its website.

In other news, the LV Marina was publicly unveiled in January by GulfCap Real Estate, which is owned by Suleiman Shahbal, a Kenyan millionaire.

The investor revealed that Kisumu's mixed-use development project will include 1,400 residential units, commercial structures, and public amenities, including clinics and schools.

On the other hand, Tatu City is a 5,000-acre mixed-use development and special economic zone (SEZ) and is one of Kenya's Vision 2030 initiatives.

The government is also building Konza Technopolis, dubbed "Africa's Silicon Savannah" in Makueni county.

Source: TUKO.co.ke