Building at Tatu City is a distinct process overseen by the Development Control Company (DCC) , the project’s private regulatory body that works in conjunction with Kiambu County .

The “No Wall” Policy: Transparency and Green Design

Tatu City is designed as a modern, mixed-use development that prioritizes openness and flow over the traditional closed-off compound. According to Solomon Mahinda, Executive Vice President of Tatu City, the city is intentionally designed “without restrictive gates or perimeter walls” to create a secure setting that allows for the free flow of people and business activities .

This policy means that instead of solid masonry walls on your plot boundary, you are likely expected to install “green walls” (living fences made of dense vegetation or hedges) and a front-facing gate that allows visibility into the compound . This aligns perfectly with your understanding.

 Understanding the Development Control Company (DCC)

The DCC is the entity responsible for all building and land-use regulation within Tatu City. It is comprised of a city planner, a city engineer, and a leading architect .

  • Your Primary Regulator: The DCC adopts and maintains the development guidelines for the city. This means they handle everything from precinct plans and design modifications to issuing building permits and overseeing all improvements .

  • Dual Approval System: While the DCC is your first point of contact to ensure your building meets Tatu City’s specific standards, the plans must also comply with the Kiambu County-approved building plans .

  • Jurisdiction: The DCC has authority over all major zones within the project, including Kijani Ridge and the Tatu Industrial Park .

 Key Compliance Requirements

If you are planning to build, your development must meet all DCC guidelines to ensure a safe and uniform environment . The DCC is responsible for:

  • Administering physical planning standards

  • Ensuring all required documents are submitted for approval

  • Creating an effective and efficient built urban environment across Tatu City

Enforcement and Compliance

The Development Control Company (DCC) is the regulatory body that enforces these design standards .

  • Compliance is Mandatory: The DCC is responsible for ensuring all buildings and plots within Tatu City comply with their established guidelines to create an “effective and efficient built urban environment” .

  • Integrated Security: The policy is supported by a high-tech, city-wide security system that makes individual perimeter walls redundant. The entire 5,000-acre city is protected by a continuous secure boundary fence, CCTV surveillance, a central command center, and controlled access points . High-ranking police officials have also pledged enhanced security for the area, recognizing Tatu City as a project of “Strategic National Importance” .

Practical Implications for Your Build

If you want to proceed with a design that features only a green hedge and a see-through gate:

  1. Engage the DCC Early: Before finalizing your architectural drawings, you should submit your concept to the Development Control Company (DCC) for pre-approval to confirm your “green wall” and gate design meets their specific guidelines for vegetation type, height, and visibility.

  2. Work with Registered Professionals: Your architect must be familiar with the DCC’s standards, as the approval process involves submitting plans to both the DCC and Kiambu County for final permitting .

MARKMAN BUILD COMPANY can help you navigate this specific requirement. We can engage the DCC on your behalf and design a compliant, aesthetically pleasing open-plan boundary that meets Tatu City’s standards.

📍 Location: Nairobi, Kenya
📞 Phone: 0729001366 / 0720277948
📧 Email: info@markmanbuild.com
🛠️ Motto: “Built Strong. Built Right.”