Tatu City rejects invitation to meet Kiambu Governor Wamatangi over land dispute

In a statement on Monday, Preston Mendenhall, Group Chief Operating Officer at Rendeavour ( which owns and develops Tatu City) explained that the meeting would not resolve any impending issues among them. The meeting was slated to occur on Tuesday, July 16, at the County headquarters offices in Kiambu. 

He explained that their claims against the governor had received thousands of support from Kiambu County residents and businesses. 

"When investors anywhere in the world catalyse Ksh.385 billion of investment and create 20,000 jobs within a few years, they receive a 'thank you' from their local governor, rather than face extortion. Frankly, Tatu City finds itself too busy to respond to the ravings of a governor," the statement read in part. 

Tatu City also listed some of the projects they have undertaken for the community, citing negligence from the county government. 

"Over the weekend, we held a free public event for 5,000 people that used public utilities and amenities at Tatu City. Runners and revelers enjoyed a free day of health, wellness, music and culture in Kiambu County. The event was supported by dozens of leading businesses," Mendenhall said. 

"The event also supported the state primary schools at Tatu City, which Kiambu County has literally starved of funds. Currently, Tatu City feeds 2,000 Kiambu County school children daily. Over the last 10 years, we have provided more than 1.8 million free meals to Kiambu County children, mostly from the neighboring communities of BTL and Ruturo. Primary school enrollment has increased 10 times, and nutrition in children and their exam results have risen significantly."

"Also over the weekend, a group of us renovated classrooms and created a sports pitch at a state primary school adopted by Tatu City. This was a long-planned event and done in support of the local community. The schoolchildren, all from Kiambu County, have been abandoned by it."

Last week, Tatu City held a press conference and accused Wamatangi and Salome Wainaina, Kiambu's County Executive for Land of delaying the approval. 

Wamatangi demands that Tatu City to cede ten per cent of their land for public use but Tatu City terms it as unconstitutional as it is a private developer and no laws compel it comply with the provision. 

Mendenhall pointed out that the county government should instead purchase the intended 54 acres of land it wants. 

In a rejoinder, Wamatangi said that the management should surrender the land according to the Physical and Land Use Planning Act 2019.

While weighing in on the matter, the Kenya Institute of Planners (KIP) called on the relevant authorities such as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and Ethics And Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate the extortion allegations. 

Further, the association called on the Kiambu county government to conduct a comprehensive audit of all surrendered land to ensure compliance with the laws. 

The planners noted that there is an urgent need to eliminate corruption by allowing a seamless process of approval across the sector. 

"Planners must make a commitment to fight the vice of corruption by all means possible to ensure that Planning Practice and the Development of our country is accelerated and made sustainable through planning. That we must work to restore the hope of our compatriots in planning" KIP president Fawcett Komollo said.