Nairobi Muslim business community explores investment opportunities in Tatu City

Nairobi Muslim business community explores investment opportunities in Tatu City

Nairobi's Muslim business community was hosted at Tatu City as its members seek to unlock investment opportunities and explore real estate prospects within Kenya's first operational special economic zone.

The event provided a platform for potential investors to learn about the steps required to own property in Tatu City and the tax incentives available to businesses operating within the zone.

Preston Mendenhall, the Group Chief Operating Officer and the Kenya Country Head of Rendeavour – the company that owns Tatu City – emphasised that Muslim investors should not be left out of the development opportunities in Tatu City which he said accommodates religious needs by designating areas for mosques and other community facilities.

"We work with banks that offer Islamic banking, there are designated areas for mosques and facilities for any religious communities in Tatu City," Mendenhall said.

He further explained that the city offers diverse housing options, ranging from low to high-end residential units. There are also two operational schools providing education to 5,000 students daily. The city has attracted more than 90 local and international companies which are setting up business operations within the development.

Mendenhall also highlighted the presence of Kenya's largest call centre, CCI Global, which has employed 5,000 Kenyans.

He noted that Tatu City's special economic zone status provides businesses with significant advantages, including reduced corporate taxes, zero-rated value added tax (VAT), and import duty exemptions.

Tatu City Head of Sales David Karimi explained that the engagement with the Muslim business community was aimed at fostering collaboration and encouraging their participation in the city's development.

"I believe we will be able to work together so that we can give them a platform to do their businesses and bring other Muslims into the development. We want to share this opportunity with them," Karimi said.

Preston Mendenhall, the Group Chief Operating Officer of Rendeavour, the company that owns Tatu City. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

Gated communities and madrasas

Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi, one of the prominent figures at the event, urged the Muslim community to invest in Tatu City. He pointed out that the development offers facilities that cater to their needs, including space for gated communities and madrasas.

"We want the Muslim community to invest here. As Preston has said, there are facilities for you. If you want to build a gated community, if you want to build a madrasa, Tatu is huge," Ahmednasir said.

He described Tatu City as one of the best investment destinations due to its modern infrastructure and facilities. He encouraged business owners and property developers from the Muslim community to consider the city as a viable location for both residential and commercial investments.

Tatu City is located in Ruiru, Kiambu County, approximately 20 kilometres from Nairobi's central business district. It is part of the Nairobi Metropolitan region and serves as a key component of the Kenya Vision 2030 economic blueprint.

The city spans 5,000 acres and is designed as a mixed-use development that includes residential areas, schools, office spaces, a shopping district, medical clinics, natural green spaces, a sports and entertainment complex and an industrial zone.

It is expected to accommodate over 250,000 residents and thousands of daily visitors.

With its strategic location and status as a special economic zone, Tatu City continues to attract investors looking for opportunities in real estate, business, and industrial development.

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