Ujiri's Zaria Group, Kenya Railways seal Nairobi arena deal
NBA champion Masai Ujiri’s Zaria Group and Kenya Railways Corporation on Thursday signed a long-term lease agreement for the development of a modern indoor arena and mixed-use entertainment district in
NBA champion Masai Ujiri's Zaria Group and Kenya Railways Corporation on Thursday signed a long-term lease agreement for the development of a modern indoor arena and mixed-use entertainment district in Nairobi, in the presence of President William Ruto.
The agreement establishes the framework for a multi-purpose, arena-anchored development at the heart of the Kenyan capital, positioning Nairobi as a regional hub for sports, entertainment, culture, and commerce across East Africa.
At the centre of the project is a modern indoor arena designed to host international sports events, concerts, conferences, and cultural programmes. The development is projected to generate over 25,000 jobs annually across construction, operations, hospitality, retail, and the broader creative economy.
Structured as a long-term agreement, the project aligns with Kenya's national infrastructure priorities and the existing Nairobi Railway City master plan. It will activate the designated MICE core — an area earmarked to modernise the central business district and improve connectivity, mobility, and economic productivity.
Read Also: FULL LIST: Ballon d’Or winners in FIFA World Cup years
Zaria Group, an Africa-focused developer and operator of sports and entertainment districts, will lead both the development and long-term operation of the project. The company previously managed and operated the BK Arena, Amahoro Stadium, and Zaria Court district in Kigali.
"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," said Ujiri, co-founder of Zaria Group. "This project is about building the platforms that unlock talent, create opportunity, and connect Africa to the global stage."
Beyond the arena, the district will include hospitality, retail, public spaces, and cultural facilities designed to function as a round-the-clock economic hub. The development is also intended to support Kenya's creative industries, providing infrastructure for artists, athletes, promoters, and entrepreneurs.
