Nairobi named 2029 World Athletics Championships host, first African city to stage event

Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, commended the collective efforts and investments from both the Government of Kenya and Athletics Kenya, which led to the nation securing the hosting rights for the 2029 World Athletics Championships in Nairobi. Mvurya emphasized that the achievement was not a fluke but the result of years of deliberate investment in athletics, sporting infrastructure, athlete development, and Kenya's capability to host major international competitions.

He highlighted that this accomplishment was the culmination of considerable effort, time, and investment by various stakeholders. "This achievement did not happen by chance. It is the culmination of considerable effort, time and investment by the Government, Athletics Kenya and our partners," stated Mvurya.

Kenya has a proven track record of hosting major international sporting events, having successfully organized the World U18 Championships in 2017 and the World U20 Championships in 2021. These events provided valuable organizational experience and showcased Kenya's ability to create an international-standard environment for athletes, officials, media, and spectators.

Mvurya noted that with these successful events under their belt, Kenya is now moving forward to host the highest stage of athletics—the 2029 World Athletics Championships at the Home of Champions.

The award comes at a time when the Government, under President William Ruto's leadership, is making significant strides in transforming Kenya's sporting infrastructure. Investments in 33 stadium projects across the country and the modernization of existing facilities, such as the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, are set to provide world-class facilities for elite competition.

The 60,000-seater Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City is also being developed to serve as a central hub for Kenya's preparations for upcoming major events like AFCON PAMOJA 2027.

Mvurya emphasized that the significance of these investments extends beyond just hosting the championships. The infrastructure will enhance training and competition facilities for Kenyan athletes, bolster grassroots talent development, attract more international competitions, and create opportunities in tourism, hospitality, broadcasting, technology, merchandising, and the creative economy.

"Our investment is not for one tournament. We are building a sporting ecosystem that will serve generations. The facilities we are developing today will nurture tomorrow's champions, attract international events, and create economic opportunities for our young people," Mvurya said.

Hosting the 2029 Championships will allow Kenya to convert its reputation as a producer of world champions into broader economic and sporting value, including increased sports tourism, investment, job creation, and commercial opportunities around major sporting events. Mvurya concluded, "For generations, Kenya has taken its champions to the world. Through these investments, we are creating the infrastructure and capacity for the world to come to Kenya. In 2029, global athletics comes to the Home of Champions."