Gitathuru is one of five settlements located in Huruma, 5 km north east of central Nairobi. Although originally a slum area, the city council took action in 2001 to legalise the settlements, and worked in partnership with Pamoja Trust, Reall and resident communities to set up a redevelopment and upgrading project within the area. At the projects start, Gitathuru accommodated 314 households, with most residents employed as small-scale business owners. The village was first established in 1976 and had reached a population size of over 1000 people by 2001.

A toilet block was identified as the first priority, with a new one completed in 2004. This is now managed by the community with a meeting hall built on top. The new urban layout was also finalised and constructed by 2005, and included the construction of 16 new houses built incrementally with the same housing design as those constructed in the neighbouring village of Kambi Moto.

With a focus on lighting, privacy and ventilation, the new homes included a lounge, kitchen, toilet and large bedroom that could be partitioned into two smaller bedrooms. Water and electricity were fitted with the units costing less than USD $1400 each to construct. Loans were provided for the construction and upgrades, with borrowers given the option to repay over a maximum of eight years.