Kenya bids to make history as first African nation to host World Athletics Championships

Kenya has formally submitted its bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, with aspirations of becoming the first African nation to host the prestigious track and field event. Athletics Kenya announced the submission this week, emphasizing the bid's strength and government backing. Nairobi is now one of four cities vying for the hosting rights, alongside London, Rome and Munich, with the final decision expected next month following a Budapest qualifier.

Central to Kenya's bid is the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, a 48,000-capacity venue set to serve as the primary competition hub. The government has committed to covering security, infrastructure and organizational costs for the ambitious event. This marks Kenya's second bid attempt, following an unsuccessful 2025 bid to Tokyo.

The country's strong track record in staging major athletics competitions bolsters its case. Kenya has successfully hosted the World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa, Under-18 World Championships in Nairobi in 2017, and U20 World Championships in Nairobi in 2021. Additionally, the nation regularly hosts World Athletics Gold Label meets, such as the Kip Keino Classic and Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Championships.

Kenya's sporting prowess is further highlighted by its track record, boasting 72 World Championship gold medals and 38 Olympic titles, alongside seventeen current world records in both men's and women's events, including marathon disciplines. Last year's Tokyo World Championships saw Kenya place second in the overall medal table, securing seven golds and eleven podium finishes.

A successful Nairobi bid would represent a historic first for the continent, bringing the World Athletics Championships to Africa for the first time and solidifying Kenya's status as a dominant force in the sport, both on and off the track.