Masai Ujiri (L) displays landmark arena deal with Kenya Railways
In a significant boost to Kenya’s urban and economic development, NBA champion Masai Ujiri’s Zaria Group and the Kenya Railways Corporation have formalised a landmark agreement through the signing of a long-term lease to develop a modern indoor arena and an adjoining mixed-use entertainment district.
The agreement, executed in the presence of President William Samoei Ruto, establishes a framework for the development of a transformative, arena-anchored district in the heart of Nairobi—positioning the capital as a leading hub for sports, entertainment, culture, and commerce across East Africa.
At the centre of the project is a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose indoor arena designed to host international sporting events, concerts, conferences, and cultural programmes at scale. The development is expected to generate over 25,000 jobs annually across construction, operations, events, hospitality, retail, and the broader creative economy.
The agreement reflects a shared vision between the public and private sectors to unlock the economic potential of strategic infrastructure, leveraging the Nairobi Railway City as a platform for long-term, inclusive growth. It also marks a major step toward realising Nairobi’s ambition of becoming a globally competitive city.
By activating strategically located land, the project aims to drive investment, create jobs, and deliver infrastructure that will serve generations. Structured as a long-term partnership, it aligns with Kenya’s national infrastructure priorities and the existing Nairobi Railway City master plan. It is also expected to catalyse the designated MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) core, modernising the central business district while improving connectivity, mobility, and economic productivity.
Zaria Group, an Africa-focused developer and operator of sports, entertainment, and cultural districts, will lead both the development and long-term operations of the project. The company’s arena-led urban development model has already been demonstrated in Kigali through its involvement in the BK Arena, Amahoro Stadium, and the Zaria Court district, and is now being expanded across key African markets.
Speaking on the project, Ujiri, Co-founder of Zaria Group, said:
“We believe that investing in sports and entertainment infrastructure in Kenya is critical to the future of the nation—and is just as important as ports and airports in driving economic growth.
“This project is about building platforms that unlock talent, create opportunities, and connect Africa to the global stage. It is a model we aspire to replicate across the continent.”
Beyond the arena, the development will feature hospitality, retail outlets, public spaces, and cultural hubs designed to function as a 24/7 economic engine. It is also expected to significantly boost Kenya’s creative industries by providing infrastructure for artists, athletes, promoters, and entrepreneurs to thrive.
The project underscores a broader strategic shift—positioning sports and entertainment as core economic infrastructure capable of generating sustained employment, attracting global events, and driving urban regeneration.