Nairobi to Host 2029 World Athletics Championships in Historic First for Africa
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Nairobi has been selected to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, marking the first time the prestigious global track and field event will be staged in Africa.
World Athletics announced the decision on Tuesday following a council meeting in Budapest. Nairobi’s bid defeated competing proposals from London, Munich and Rome.
The 2031 World Athletics Championships will be held in Munich, Germany, while Beijing has already been selected as the host for the 2027 edition.
Historic Moment for African Athletics
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe described Nairobi’s selection as a significant milestone for the sport.
He said the decision would allow the championships to be staged across Asia, Africa and Europe over the next three editions.
Coe praised Nairobi’s proposal and said Africa had earned the opportunity to host the world championships under the right conditions.
He also highlighted Kenya’s strong athletics culture and the country’s ability to use the event to further develop the sport across the continent.
Kenya’s Strong Athletics Tradition
Kenya has a long history of success in international athletics, particularly in middle- and long-distance running.
The country previously hosted the 2007 World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa, the 2017 World Under-18 Championships and the 2021 World Under-20 Championships in Nairobi.
Nairobi also hosted the 2010 African Athletics Championships.
Kenya had previously bid to host the 2025 World Athletics Championships but was unsuccessful. Officials subsequently strengthened Nairobi’s proposal for the 2029 event.
Kasarani Stadium Set for Major Upgrade
A key part of Nairobi’s successful bid is the renovation of Kasarani Stadium, which is undergoing a major redevelopment ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Coe said the Nairobi team had gained valuable experience from its previous bidding process and returned with a stronger proposal.
He also pointed to Kenya’s passionate athletics fans and the country’s tradition of producing world-class athletes, including Olympic and world champion Faith Kipyegon.
Kenyan Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya welcomed the decision, saying it reflected Kenya’s important position within the global athletics community.
Munich to Host 2031 Championships
Munich will host the World Athletics Championships in 2031 after also competing for the 2029 edition.
The German city most recently hosted the 2022 European Athletics Championships at its Olympic Park.
Coe praised Germany’s record of organizing major athletics competitions and said Munich had the experience and audience needed to deliver a successful world championships.
He also defended the decision to stage three consecutive editions outside Europe, noting that World Athletics has a responsibility to expand the global reach of the sport.
With Nairobi confirmed for 2029, the championships will make their long-awaited debut on the African continent, creating a major opportunity to showcase Kenya’s athletics heritage to a worldwide audience.
