President William Ruto has announced the signing of a formal agreement to launch the Ujiri Programme and oversee the construction of the Nairobi Arena, a major sports and entertainment facility set to rise within the capital’s expansive Railway City redevelopment.
The project, which brings together the Kenya Railways Corporation and the Zaria Group, is being spearheaded by Masai Ujiri, the globally recognized basketball executive and founder of Giants of Africa.
The agreement follows a high-level meeting at State House between President Ruto and Ujiri.
According to the government, the initiative is anchored on the Ujiri Programme, which aims to leverage sports and creative industries to empower young people, create jobs, and unlock entrepreneurial opportunities.
The Nairobi Arena is expected to be the flagship infrastructure under the programme, serving as a multi-purpose venue capable of hosting international sporting events, concerts, exhibitions, and conferences.
The arena will be constructed within the 438-acre Railway City project, one of Nairobi’s most ambitious urban redevelopment plans.
Located in the heart of the capital, the site is envisioned as a modern mixed-use district combining transport, commercial, residential, and entertainment facilities.
The Nairobi Arena will act as a key anchor for the broader development, attracting investment and driving foot traffic into the area.
Its integration within Railway City is also expected to enhance accessibility through existing and planned transport networks.
The Railway City redevelopment has been central to the government’s urban renewal agenda, with the arena now adding a cultural and sporting dimension to the project.
The partnership with Ujiri’s Zaria Group reflects a broader vision to elevate Nairobi’s status as a continental hub for sports and entertainment.
Masai Ujiri, known for his leadership in the NBA and his grassroots development work across Africa, has previously emphasized the role of infrastructure in nurturing talent and creating opportunity.
Through the Ujiri Programme, stakeholders aim to establish a pipeline that connects young talent to global platforms, while also supporting local creative industries.
The Nairobi Arena is expected to meet international standards, positioning Kenya to host global events that have traditionally been held outside the region.
The Nairobi project follows the launch of a similar initiative in Rwanda, where Ujiri unveiled Zaria Court in Kigali in 2025. The facility has since become a model for integrating sports, culture, and entrepreneurship within a single ecosystem.
The Nairobi Arena is anticipated to go beyond a traditional stadium, incorporating retail spaces, training facilities, and innovation hubs aimed at supporting youth-led enterprises.
The Ujiri Programme also places a strong emphasis on social impact, with plans to provide training, mentorship, and access to funding for young entrepreneurs.
