The project led by Zaria Group will create a 10,000-seat indoor arena in Nairobi to host various events such as basketball tournaments, concerts, and conferences. It’s part of the Railway City master plan to enhance the commercial district with serviced apartments, a hotel, and supporting infrastructure, estimated to foster over 3,500 construction jobs and 1,500 permanent positions.
The initiative also includes a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) Centre to boost commercial activity. President William Ruto supports the project as a means to elevate Kenya’s international event profile and strengthen Nairobi’s economic hub status.
Zaria’s approach combines sports venues with entertainment and hospitality elements, which has been successfully implemented in Rwanda with facilities like the BK Arena. The development aligns with Kenya’s economic strategy, coinciding with preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Overall, it presents an opportunity to enhance regional infrastructure while promoting African sports development beyond basketball, exemplified by figures like Masai Ujiri, who founded Giants of Africa to support youth across the continent.
