For decades, Kenya’s architectural ambition began and ended within Nairobi’s city limits. That geographic concentration is breaking. In Kiambu County, just beyond the capital’s northern borders, a bold construction plan is set to claim the title of the tallest building outside Nairobi, driven by private capital, foreign backers, and strong pre-completion buyer demand.

Jabali Towers project targets Kenya height record

The proposed Jabali Towers, planned for the central business district of Tatu Central in Ruiru, envisions a twin-tower high-rise complex that will reshape the region’s skyline. According to regulatory disclosures, the anchor structure is designed to rise 136.8 metres across 30 floors, flanked by a second 20-floor building standing 99.1 metres high.

If approved and built as proposed, the 136.8-meter tower would surpass the 89.7-meter Eldoret Daima Towers to become Kenya’s tallest building outside Nairobi. The project has an estimated construction cost of KSh7.09 billion ($55 million) and will occupy a 9,518-square-meter site in Tatu City, one of Kenya’s largest planned urban developments.

Kenya apartment tower sells 80% units

Behind the concrete and steel is an aggressive commercial playbook. The project is primarily residential, offering layouts from studios to three-bedroom apartments, supported by a fitness centre, an infinity pool, wellness spaces, shared work areas, and ground-floor retail and dining. It is designed to integrate living quarters, workplaces, shops, and leisure in a single address.

That formula has already proven popular with buyers and institutional backers alike. The broader development announcement outlines an operational footprint covering 88,000 square metres, featuring two residential towers planned for 25 and 36 storeys. More than 80 percent of the first tower has already been sold, with unit prices starting at KSh10.2 million ($78,200).

Jabali Towers gets Saudi investment

The project has secured international backing. On July 3, Saudi Arabian construction and investment firm Mabani Aljazeera Holding Group agreed to acquire a 50 percent minus one share stake in Jabali Towers through its subsidiary, Swan Properties. Rendeavour, Tatu City’s master developer, will retain majority control.

The transaction represents Mabani Aljazeera’s debut property deal in Kenya, opening a direct path into the country’s real estate market. Company executives noted that the partnership pairs the Saudi firm’s financial resources, building materials, and construction background with Rendeavour’s operational track record on the ground.

Kiambu attracts major high-rise development

To execute the build, Tatu City brought in China Road and Bridge Corporation as the primary contractor. The complex is also set to feature 35 restaurants and shops open to the general public, embedding the property directly into the local economy.

For Kiambu, the project reflects its shift from a Nairobi bedroom community into a commercial market capable of supporting large-scale developments. As available land declines in established Nairobi districts, developers are directing long-term capital toward planned developments with infrastructure designed to support larger projects.

If Jabali Towers secures final approvals and is completed as planned, Kiambu will demonstrate that East Africa’s high-rise property market can expand beyond Nairobi, strengthening the county’s position as a destination for large-scale commercial and residential development.