Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga on Friday chaired a meeting with a high-powered delegation from the DECAEXEC Consortium of the United Arab Emirates to explore potential strategic and institutional investment partnerships in the ambitious Nairobi Railway City project.
The discussions centered on opportunities within the project’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) zone — one of six distinct urban precincts envisioned under the multi-billion-shilling redevelopment plan.
According to Kenya Railways, the DECAEXEC team presented a phased and sustainable investment model focused on transforming the 69-acre MICE precinct, located along Uhuru Highway, into a world-class hub for international business tourism. The concept aims to create a modern conference and hospitality ecosystem that integrates with the city’s transport network and surrounding commercial zones
“This engagement reflects our commitment to attracting global investors into strategic components of the Railway City,” Mr. Mainga said, adding that the partnership would “leverage Kenya’s growing status as a regional business and logistics hub.”The Nairobi Railway City project, spanning over 430 acres, is one of Kenya’s most transformative urban redevelopment programs. It is designed around a new modern central station integrating commuter, intercity, and standard gauge rail services, supported by bus rapid transit (BRT), pedestrian, and cycling facilities.
The project has been conceptualized into six major precincts — the Central Station Front, Central Station Back, MICE Core, Commercial Core, Market Core, and Residential Core — each serving a specific economic and social function.
Backed by technical support from the UK Government through the UK Export Finance (UKEF), which has committed £80 million (approximately Sh11.9 billion) for early works, the project’s first phase includes construction of the new railway station, modern public spaces, drainage systems, and non-motorized transport infrastructure.
The MICE zone, identified as a flagship investment cluster, is envisioned to feature landmark architecture, convention centers, hotels, retail facilities, and landscaped public plazas. The development is expected to create thousands of jobs, boost tourism, and contribute significantly to Nairobi’s GDP.
Once completed, the Nairobi Railway City is projected to redefine the city’s southern skyline and serve as a blueprint for transit-oriented urban regeneration in Africa. Officials say the initiative will not only ease congestion in the Central Business District but also unlock new economic value through sustainable, mixed-use development
“The MICE precinct will be a catalyst for transforming Nairobi into a modern, connected, and globally competitive metropolis,” Kenya Railways said in a statement.
