Hounen, the multinational real estate developer and solar energy manufacturer, has unveiled plans for over 63,000 square meters of new developments at Tatu City Special Economic Zone (SEZ), marking its official entry into Sub-Saharan Africa.
The company, whose portfolio spans China, Indonesia, Cambodia, and the United States, has selected Tatu City as the strategic hub for its African operations, citing Kenya’s investment-friendly climate and the SEZ framework.
“Over the last two decades, Hounen has charted an ambitious path of growth in Asia and the United States,” said Jufang Lyu, Founder and Chairwoman of Hounen, during the signing ceremony. “Our entry into Africa represents the next chapter of our development, and we are pleased to make Kenya and Tatu City SEZ the hub of our investment strategy.”
Key Developments at Tatu City
Hounen’s investment package includes:
- 43,500 sqm mixed-use development in Tatu Central, the city’s business and residential district. The landmark project will feature four towers ranging from 21 to 26 storeys, integrating office, retail, commercial, and residential spaces designed to attract global investors to Kenya.
- A solar panel manufacturing plant at ALP North Logistics Park, reinforcing Kenya’s renewable energy ambitions.
- A 1.3 MW rooftop solar installation atop The Link, Tatu City’s SME warehousing complex, supporting sustainable energy for small businesses.
The developments are projected to generate over 2,500 jobs, with a focus on local employment and skills development.
“Hounen’s arrival in Africa is yet another validation of Kenya’s investment-friendly environment, underpinned by our Special Economic Zone framework,” said John Mwendwa, CEO of the Kenya Investment Authority.
Expanding the Tatu City Vision
Hounen also announced plans for future real estate projects at Tatu City, including a retail village and executive residences, further diversifying the city’s live-work-play ecosystem.
“Tatu City has become a global business hub, where Kenyan and multinational companies thrive in a sustainable and holistic environment,” said Stephen Jennings, Founder and CEO of Rendeavour, the owner and developer of Tatu City SEZ. “With businesses, schools, mixed-income homes, and unrivaled recreation and green spaces, it’s one of the most beautiful countries on earth.”
Tatu City: A Magnet for Global Investment
Tatu City, Rendeavour’s flagship development in Kenya, welcomes 25,000 people daily who live, work, and study within its dynamic community. The city hosts over 100 companies, either operational or under development, representing more than USD 3 billion in investment from countries including the United States, China, the UK, Norway, the UAE, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Major international institutions active in Tatu City include the World Bank, African Development Bank, British Investment International, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, Finnfund, Norfund, Soros Economic Development Fund, and Grand Challenges Canada.
