Kenya to host 2029 World Athletics Championships in African first

Kenya has secured the prestigious bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, marking the first time an African country will be honored with the event. The capital, Nairobi, will host the championships at the Kasarani Stadium, a venue with a capacity of 48,000. While London and Rome were unsuccessful in their bids, Munich was awarded the hosting rights for 2031.

Kenya's strong athletics heritage played a crucial role in their bid, boasting 72 World Championship and 38 Olympic gold medals, particularly in middle and long-distance running. The nation's bid was described as "compelling and emotional" by World Athletics president Sebastian Coe, who emphasized Kenya's significance as a global athletics powerhouse.

Kenya's success is evident in the number of World Championships and Olympic medals won, particularly in middle and long-distance running. Coe highlighted Kenya's unique position as a nation where the sport "is woven into the fabric of the country," making Nairobi the ideal host for the 2029 event. Nairobi's extensive experience in hosting major athletics events, including the 2017 World Under-18 and 2021 World U20 Championships, further bolstered their bid.

The decision to award the championships to Nairobi is historic for Africa, as no other continent has ever hosted the senior World Athletics Championships. Kenya's bid also showcased its readiness to host major events, having renovated its stadiums in preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations co-hosted with Tanzania and Uganda.

Kasarani Stadium, in particular, is undergoing a comprehensive structural overhaul to ensure it meets the necessary requirements for the upcoming championships.