Tatu City has unveiled a one-of-a-kind sculpture of a sacred Mugumo tree at the heart of the 5,000-acre Special Economic Zone.
Created by internationally acclaimed Kenyan artist Gerard Motondi, the sculpture is a powerful tribute to Kenya’s cultural heritage and a statement of Tatu City’s enduring commitment to ecological preservation.
The ceremony was officiated by the Gikuyu Cultural Association, which honoured the longstanding spiritual significance of Mugumo trees in Kikuyu culture.
For generations, this sacred fig tree has served as a site of prayer, ritual, and ancestral connection. Mugumo trees within Tatu Cityhave long been used for traditional ceremonies.
The sculpture, carved from a 24-tonne stone sourced from Ndalani Mine in Machakos and carved to 13 tonnes, reflects Tatu City’s philosophy of harmony between soul, mind, and body. Its three rising pillars, partially carved and partially left in their natural state, mimic the trunk of a Mugumo tree and represent the balance between cultural tradition and contemporary innovation.
“The Mugumo tree is not just sacred, it is a witness to our heritage. In many towns, culture is erased in the name of progress. But at Tatu City, we have shown that honouring tradition and embracing the future can go hand in hand,” said Martin Kiarie, Kikuyu elder and City Operations Manager at Tatu City.
The sculpture is Tatu City’s latest contribution to the preservation of local culture. In 2020, Rendeavour, the owner and developer of Tatu City, created the Mugumo Tree Heritage Park, an area open to the public next to a particularly well-known Mugumo tree.
Njoroge Wa Mugo, the 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 allows it to stand tall as a lasting tribute to our heritage and traditions.”
In recognition of the cultural significance of various species of trees, Tatu City has, over the years, preserved and planted hundreds of thousands of indigenous trees across the city. In areas designated for infrastructure, trees are not removed but carefully translocated to parks and green corridors. This approach ensures that, unlike many developments, Tatu City does not become a concrete jungle, but grows in harmony with nature.
The Mugumo sculpture’s permanent home is Tatu Plaza, a central green space within Tatu Central, the city’s business and living district. Surrounding Tatu Plaza is a growing ecosystem of developments, including Jabali Towers, the pinnacle of urban living in Kenya; Tatu Box Park, a hub for retail, dining, and entertainment; and Eneo at Tatu Central, which has more than 30 shops and businesses.