Tatu City Unveils Monument Honouring Kenya’s Cultural Heritage

Tatu City has unveiled a one-of-a-kind sculpture of a sacred Mugumo tree at the heart of its 5,000-acre Special Economic Zone, located just outside Nairobi.

Crafted by internationally acclaimed Kenyan artist Gerard Motondi, the sculpture pays tribute to Kenya’s cultural heritage while highlighting Tatu City’s commitment to ecological preservation.

The unveiling ceremony was officiated by the Gikuyu Cultural Association, recognizing the longstanding spiritual significance of Mugumo trees in Kikuyu culture.

Traditionally, these sacred fig trees serve as sites of prayer, ritual, and ancestral connection. Within Tatu City, Mugumo trees have long been central to cultural ceremonies.

Carved from a 24-tonne stone sourced from Ndalani Mine in Machakos, the sculpture now weighs 13 tonnes.

Its three rising pillars, partially carved and partially left in their natural state, mimic the trunk of a Mugumo tree and symbolize the balance between tradition and modern innovation.

“The Mugumo tree is not just sacred; it is a witness to our heritage,” said Martin Kiarie, Kikuyu elder and City Operations Manager at Tatu City. “While culture is often sidelined in the name of progress, Tatu City demonstrates that honouring tradition and embracing the future can coexist.”

The sculpture follows the creation of the Mugumo Tree Heritage Park in 2020, a public space preserving one of Tatu City’s most celebrated Mugumo trees.

Njoroge Wa Mugo, National Vice Chairman of the Gikuyu Cultural Association (Kiama kia Ma), said, “This sculpture reflects the deep roots of our community and the values we hold dear. Tatu City’s recognition of this sacred symbol ensures it will stand tall as a lasting tribute to our heritage.”

Tatu City has also prioritized environmental preservation, planting and safeguarding hundreds of thousands of indigenous trees. Even in areas earmarked for infrastructure, trees are carefully translocated rather than removed, ensuring the city grows in harmony with nature.

The Mugumo sculpture is permanently installed at Tatu Plaza, a central green space in Tatu Central. Surrounding developments include Jabali Towers, Tatu Box Park, and Eneo at Tatu Central, creating a dynamic hub for living, working, and leisure.

Tatu City, developed by Rendeavour, hosts over 25,000 daily residents and visitors, with more than 4,500 homes, 6,000 students, and over 100 businesses, attracting over KES 400 billion in investment.

Major businesses include Emirates Logistics, Heineken, Cold Solutions, Naivas, NCBA, Dormans, and Davis & Shirtliff, among others.