Is Tatu City the solution to Kenya's urbanization crisis?

In Kiambu, Kenya, Tatu City serves as a pioneering example of a 'startup city' designed to address the challenges of rapid urbanization in sub-Saharan Africa. Opened four years ago, it has already attracted around 5,000 residents within its sprawling 5,000-acre development. Tatu City is home to 88 businesses employing approximately 15,000 people, marking its significance as an emerging economic hub. The successes of Tatu City contrast with broader trends in the region, where urbanization has not traditionally led to economic advancement. Experts point to the projected growth of urban populations in Africa, with expectations of 900 million more urban residents by 2050, calling for innovative solutions to mitigate poverty alongside urban growth. The project is spearheaded by the multinational owner Rendeavour, which overcame legal challenges in 2018 when a dispute with former Kenyan partners was resolved in its favor by the London Court of International Arbitration. City officials and urban planners emphasize that new developments like Tatu City can offer opportunities to create modern infrastructure and jobs that are otherwise lacking in existing urban centers. However, challenges remain, such as the potential of new cities worsening inequality in the region if they remain inaccessible to lower-income populations. For instance, property prices at other new developments, like Eko Atlantic in Lagos, are prohibitive for many residents. Another crucial factor that supports the viability of Tatu City is its strategic location just 12 miles north of Nairobi, which allows residents access to the capital’s labor market. The development aims to meet market needs by incorporating essential amenities like good schools and efficient management. Experts have noted that successful new-city projects require high-quality anchor tenants and need to be responsive to the local demands and circumstances. Tatu City presents itself as a model of how private sector initiatives can foster development in urban settings. As urban populations in Africa are projected to skyrocket, the success or failure of projects like Tatu City will have significant consequences for the continent's economic landscape, ultimately determining how urbanization can contribute to poverty reduction and social equity.