By ASVG Media
Nairobi is moving toward one of East Africa’s largest privately backed sports and entertainment developments, with plans for a 10,000-seat multipurpose indoor arena anchoring a proposed $294.49 million (approximately KSh38.1 billion) mixed-use district within Nairobi Railway City. The development is being led by Zaria Group, co-founded by basketball executive Masai Ujiri, through its local development structure, with Helios Sports & Entertainment Group among Zaria’s investors. Plans combine the arena with a hotel, serviced apartments, restaurants, retail, public spaces and entertainment facilities designed to accommodate basketball and other indoor sports, concerts, conferences, exhibitions and cultural events.
The project could significantly strengthen Nairobi’s ability to compete for major international sports, entertainment and MICE events while demonstrating the growing African model of combining venues with hospitality, retail, entertainment and year-round commercial activity. Zaria Group and Kenya Railways Corporation signed a long-term lease for the development in April 2026, but the arena has not yet been built and the project remains subject to environmental and other regulatory approvals. Kenya’s NEMA is currently reviewing the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, meaning the development should still be described as proposed or planned rather than confirmed for construction.
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