Ruto presides over deal for Nairobi Railway City arena project

The development of the Nairobi Railway City got a major boost with the signing of a lease agreement for the building of a modern arena and entertainment district in the heart of the city.

President William Ruto witnessed the signing of the agreement between Zaria Group and Kenya Railways Corporation, marking the first project of a flagship urban renewal programme in the capital.

Speaking during the function at State House Nairobi, the President said the development marks a significant milestone towards the Nairobi Railway City project.

“Through this agreement, we are establishing a new development anchor within the Railway City: a modern, multi-purpose arena and an integrated entertainment district that will host international events, support our creative industries, and expand Nairobi’s global footprint,” the President said.

He noted that the project will reshape Nairobi, create jobs, and strengthen Kenya’s position as a regional economic hub.

President Ruto said the initiative underscores a broader strategic shift in positioning sports and entertainment as foundational economic infrastructure that will generate sustainable employment, attract global events and drive urban regeneration.

“This investment reinforces an important shift in how we think about infrastructure. We must move beyond traditional definitions. Infrastructure is not just roads, ports and rail; it is also the platforms that enable talent, attract global audiences and position our cities within the economic and cultural networks of the world,” he added.

He noted that the Nairobi Railway City is expected to generate more than 25,000 jobs annually in construction, operations, hospitality and the wider creative economy.

“This milestone is a testament to our commitment to deliver value for our citizens. It also reflects strengthened collaboration between the national government and the county government of Nairobi,” he said.

The project will transform the central railway station into a modern multi-modal transit hub integrating rail, bus rapid transit and non-motorised transport capable of moving more than 400,000 commuters daily by 2030.

It will also comprise green, residential and commercial spaces.

Structured as a long-term partnership, the project aligns with Kenya’s national infrastructure priorities and complements developments such as the Talanta Stadium and the Bomas International Convention Complex.

Among those present were Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Cabinet Secretaries Davis Chirchir and Salim Mvurya, Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga, Zaria Group co-founder Masai Ujiri and Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga.

Chirchir said the government will provide the necessary infrastructure to support the facility.

On his part, Mvurya said the arena will provide Kenyan youth with a platform to nurture their talents.

“We are glad young people will have a facility not only for sports, but also one which will position Nairobi and Kenya as truly strategic locations for investment,” he said.

Governor Sakaja thanked the national government for supporting the county’s transformation into a modern city.

Ujiri said the arena will give young people space to express themselves and unlock economic opportunities.

“This is momentous; this is a business that will become an economic driver, a hub not only for the city, but also for Kenya and the entire Africa,” he said.

Zaria Group, a pan-African developer and operator of sports, entertainment and cultural districts, will lead the development and long-term operation of the project.