UAE Consortium Eyes Massive Stake in Ksh28 Billion Nairobi Railway City Project

A powerful investment delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has arrived in Nairobi, holding high-level discussions with Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) over potential involvement in the ambitious Ksh28 billion Nairobi Railway City Project.

In a statement released on Friday, October 31, KRC confirmed it met with representatives of the DECAEXEC Consortium, who presented a detailed proposal outlining how the group could become a strategic and institutional investor in the mega infrastructure venture.

The talks mark a major step toward attracting international funding for the flagship project, which aims to reshape Nairobi’s central transport hub into a modern, world-class transit and business district.

The Nairobi Railway City Project sits at the heart of Kenya’s urban modernization agenda, promising not only to enhance commuter experience but also to boost the country’s investment appeal, job creation, and tourism potential.

If successful, the Nairobi Railway City Project will redefine Nairobi’s skyline, strengthen Kenya’s economy, and attract massive global investment opportunities. [Photo: Screenshot]

Kenya Railways Engages UAE Investors in Landmark Nairobi Railway City Project Talks

The Nairobi Railway City Project covers 425 acres of prime land bordered by Haile Selassie Avenue, Uhuru Highway, Landhies Road, and Bunyala Road. Once complete, the area will become a vibrant, multi-use urban district anchored around a new Central Railway Station.

The project has been divided into six zones, each designed to serve a unique urban function. The DECAEXEC Consortium expressed strong interest in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) precinct, a 69-acre section that will redefine Nairobi’s skyline and elevate it into an international business tourism hub.

According to KRC, the consortium proposed a phased and sustainable investment model that would align with Kenya’s long-term economic development goals.

“The MICE precinct is designed to attract global conferences, exhibitions, and investment summits, bringing thousands of visitors to Nairobi every year,” a KRC source told reporters.

The MICE area will also integrate with the city’s transport system, including rail and road networks, ensuring easy accessibility for business travelers and daily commuters alike.

A Modern Transport Hub at the Core of Development

At the heart of the Nairobi Railway City Project will stand the new Nairobi Central Station, a two-storey, low-carbon structure designed for efficiency, sustainability, and user comfort.

The ground floor will feature retail outlets, cafes, and restaurants, while the upper floor will house ticketing halls and direct access to train platforms. A large public square at the entrance will serve as a civic space for residents and visitors.

According to the Nairobi Commuter Rail Master Plan, the station will initially handle 30,000 passengers per peak hour, with future capacity to move 1.5 million people daily across the commuter network.

The project also includes plans to relocate the Central Bus Station to a site north of the railway area, easing congestion in the city center.

Kenya Railways said the design aims to balance social and economic benefits, supporting small traders and commuters while delivering solid investment returns for stakeholders.

Once operational, the facility is expected to boost Nairobi’s role as an East African transport and logistics hub, linking rail services to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which lies just 11 kilometers away.

Economic and Social Benefits for Kenya

The Nairobi Railway City Project is more than a transport modernization effort—it is an urban renewal initiative expected to create over 5,000 jobs during construction and operation.

By integrating commercial spaces, hotels, and public parks, the project seeks to foster a safe, inclusive, and climate-resilient environment. The design follows principles from NIUPLAN, the Nairobi Integrated Urban Development Master Plan, ensuring alignment with global sustainability standards.

Kenya’s partnership with the United Kingdom has been instrumental in driving the project from concept to design. However, the entry of UAE investors could accelerate funding, construction, and international partnerships that boost Kenya’s economic profile.

Experts say the UAE’s involvement could also open doors for technology transfer, new tourism streams, and private-public collaborations in future infrastructure projects.

“The presence of DECAEXEC in Nairobi signals growing global confidence in Kenya’s urban development pipeline,” said an industry analyst. “If the talks lead to a deal, Nairobi could become a model city for transport-driven growth in Africa.”

Wrapping Up

Cabinet approved the Nairobi Railway City Project in June 2025, with completion initially targeted for 2027. The meeting with the DECAEXEC Consortium suggests Kenya is exploring diversified investment streams to keep the project on track amid rising infrastructure costs.

For Kenya Railways, the challenge will be ensuring that international partnerships remain transparent, environmentally responsible, and beneficial to local communities.

With the UAE consortium showing strong interest and government support remaining firm, the Nairobi Railway City Project could soon shift from blueprint to groundbreaking—transforming how Kenyans travel, work, and connect.