Nairobi to host 2029 world athletics championships in African first

Nairobi has been chosen to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, marking the first time an African city will host the prestigious event. This decision, announced by World Athletics president Sebastian Coe, follows a council meeting in Budapest where four strong bids were considered. The 2031 championships will be held in Munich, while the 2027 event has already been awarded to Beijing.

Coe emphasized the historic nature of this decision, stating that taking the championships to Africa for the first time is a significant moment. Nairobi's compelling and emotional bid was deemed crucial for boosting the development of athletics in Kenya and across Africa, with a lasting legacy that inspires the continent. Kenya has previously hosted various athletics events, including the 2007 World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa, the World Under-18 Championships in Nairobi in 2017, the World Under-20 Championships in the capital in 2021, and the 2010 African Athletics Championships.

The Nairobi team, familiar with the bidding process, strengthened their proposal by renovating Kasarani Stadium, which is currently undergoing a comprehensive overhaul ahead of hosting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.