Railway City arena project is planned as a major sports and entertainment anchor within Nairobi’s expanding urban regeneration program. The proposed $294.49 million development will feature a 10,000-seat indoor arena alongside hospitality, retail, dining and leisure facilities.
The development will occupy about 6.8 hectares near Nairobi Central Railway Station. It forms part of the larger 172-hectare Nairobi Railway City redevelopment area.
The project comes as Nairobi seeks to revive its traditional CBD after years of investment shifting towards Westlands, Upper Hill and Kilimani. The arena could introduce more evening, weekend and event-driven activity downtown.
Railway City arena project planned as mixed-use development
The Railway City arena project will center on a five-storey, 10,000-capacity indoor venue. Project plans provide approximately 11,680 square meters of built-up arena space.
The facility will accommodate basketball tournaments, concerts, conferences, exhibitions and cultural programs. Its flexible design will therefore support sports, entertainment and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions events.
The wider development will include a 140-room branded hotel and about 70 serviced apartments. Retail outlets, restaurants and leisure facilities will complement the main arena.
Plans also include a public plaza, green pedestrian boulevard and outdoor performance space. Parking facilities will support visitors arriving for major events and commercial activities.
Furthermore, the development will connect entertainment uses with hospitality and commercial facilities. This approach could keep visitors within the precinct before and after events.
The development also forms part of Kenya’s expanding pipeline of major sports infrastructure ahead of AFCON 2027. The country is simultaneously advancing the Raila Odinga International Stadium, where a dedicated power station is supporting construction and future operations.
Railway City arena project advances through environmental review
The Railway City arena project follows a long-term lease agreement between Zaria Group and Kenya Railways Corporation. President William Ruto witnessed the agreement signing at State House in April 2026.
The lease provides the development framework for the arena within Kenya Railways’ land. However, the project remains subject to environmental and regulatory processes before construction begins.
The National Environment Management Authority opened public review of the project’s Environmental and Social Impact Assessment in September 2026. The review covers the proposed arena and associated mixed-use facilities.
The development will proceed in phases, with the first phase focusing mainly on the indoor arena. Supporting infrastructure will accompany the initial construction program.
The wider Railway City program seeks to create a multimodal transport hub around Nairobi Central Railway Station. Government plans target integration of rail, bus rapid transit and non-motorized transport.
The Government expects the wider transport system to support more than 400,000 commuters daily by 2030. The arena would therefore benefit from its proximity to major transport infrastructure.
The project also supports a broader shift towards mixed-use development within Nairobi’s CBD. People Daily reported that the arena could help bring visitors and commercial activity back into the city center.
The proposed development is valued at approximately Ksh38.14 billion, equivalent to $294.49 million. The valuation covers the wider mixed-use development rather than the arena alone.
Project Fact Sheet
Name: Nairobi Railway City Arena and Entertainment District
Focus development: 10,000-seat multi-purpose indoor arena
Value: Approximately Ksh38.14 billion/$294.49 million
Location: Nairobi Railway City, near Nairobi Central Railway Station
Site area: Approximately 6.8 hectares
Wider Railway City area: Approximately 172 hectares
Arena capacity: 10,000 people
Arena built-up area: Approximately 11,680 square metres
Hotel: 140-room branded hotel
Arena configuration: Five-storey indoor facility
Serviced apartments: Approximately 70 units
Commercial facilities: Retail, office, restaurant and food-and-beverage spaces
Public facilities: Public plaza, green pedestrian boulevard and outdoor performance space
Event uses: Basketball, concerts, conferences, exhibitions and cultural events
Delivery approach: Phased development
Current status: Proposed development undergoing environmental review
Land arrangement: Long-term lease with Kenya Railways Corporation
Project Team
Project proponent: Zaria Group
Local development partner: Metroarena Development Company Limited
Investment partner: Helios Sports & Entertainment Group
Landowner: Kenya Railways Corporation
Environmental regulator: National Environment Management Authority
Wider Railway City lead agencies: State Department for Housing and Urban Development, Kenya Railways Corporation and Railway City Development Authority
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