Navigating the Pressures of Owning a Home in Kenya
Mr. Abdiweli Hassan (OGW, EBS), the developer behind Business Bay Square (BBS Mall), has unveiled plans for a KSh 65 billion mixed-use development in Tatu City Special Economic Zone (SEZ) – a move that cements Tatu City’s reputation as one of Kenya’s fastest-growing investment hubs.
READ ALSO: Analyzing BBS Mall’s Impact on Eastleigh’s Property Market
The Mega Development Plan
The new 60-acre project will feature:
- Modern homes
- Retail spaces
- Offices
- Logistics facilities
- A mosque
- 30 acre of parks and recreation
- A petrol station
- An extensive warehousing solution with the Tatu Industrial Park
Designs are already underway, with construction set to begin within one year. The development will be implemented in phases over a 10-year timeline.
Who Is Behind It?
The project is led by Mr. Abdiweli Hassan, Founder and Chairman of Business Bay Square (BBS), the company behind East Africa’s largest shopping and entertainment complex, BBS Mall in Eastleigh, Nairobi.
Spanning over 130,000 square meters, BBS Mall is home to more than 1,000 shops and restaurants, and has transformed Eastleigh into an even bigger commercial hub. Mr. Hassan’s success with BBS Mall demonstrated how thoughtful real estate design can reshape neighborhoods and drive urban renewal.
Why Tatu City?
Tatu City has rapidly become a magnet for mega investors seeking a clean, organized, and well-planned environment outside Nairobi’s congestion.
Recent major announcements, including Airtel’s new data center, global logistics firms such as Emirates Logistics, and established brands like Heineken, NCBA, Naivas, Dormans, and Davis & Shirtliff, just show the area’s economic potential.
It’s also home to top schools, such as Nova Pioneer and Crawford, making it an ideal destination for families and professionals alike.
A New Phase of Growth
According to Stephen Jennings, Founder and CEO of Rendeavour, the developer of Tatu City, this new investment represents “a record-setting step in Kenya’s future,” adding to the KES 450 billion already invested in the city.
Residential projects like Kijani Ridge, Unity Homes, Lifestyle Heights, Jabali Towers, and Porini Point are already thriving, creating a blueprint for modern, sustainable living within a master-planned community.
Opportunity for Investors
For investors, this development is a clear signal that the smart money is moving to Tatu City.
Those eyeing opportunities in residential or commercial property can start planning early by saving for deposits or co-investment, to take advantage of the area’s appreciation potential and maximize return on investment (ROI) by reducing borrowing costs.
A Vision for the Future
As Mr. Hassan aptly put it, “The future of development is moving beyond the city centre, where there’s space to build holistic communities with everything people need, schools, offices, entertainment, shops, and recreation.”
Tatu City embodies that vision: a sustainable, well-governed ecosystem where people can live, work, and thrive without the chaos of traditional urban sprawl.
Tilisi, located in Limuru, is another area to have a keen eye on as they have a similar concept of live, work, and play.
