Wetang’ula: Nairobi ready to host 2029 World Athletics Championships

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has expressed his support for Kenya's selection to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, declaring Nairobi prepared to welcome athletes and fans from around the globe. The hosting rights represent a significant milestone for Kenya and Africa, Wetang’ula stated on his official Facebook page on September 17, 2026.

He lauded Kenya's roster of athletics stars, including Kipchoge Keino, Eliud Kipchoge, Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet, and Emmanuel Wanyonyi, emphasizing the country's potential for greatness in the sporting world. Wetang’ula credited President William Ruto for his dedication to delivering a world-class athletics championship, noting that Kenya became the first African nation to secure this honor.

The Nairobi mayor affirmed that the city would leverage the occasion to highlight Kenya's rich athletics heritage and unwavering passion for the sport. "Nairobi is ready to welcome the world’s finest athletes and showcase Kenya’s unrivalled passion, talent and heritage in athletics," he declared. "The world is coming to Kenya. Nairobi is ready."

World Athletics' selection of Nairobi for the 2029 championships was announced at its Council meeting in Budapest on September 14-15, following a competitive bidding process. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe praised Nairobi's proposal as compelling and emotional, highlighting Kenya's deep-rooted connection to athletics. The championships will follow the 2027 edition in Beijing and precede the 2031 event in Munich.

Nairobi's previous hosting experience includes the 2017 World U18 Championships and the 2021 World U20 Championships, as well as the annual Kip Keino Classic, a prominent one-day athletics event in Africa. World Athletics highlighted Nairobi's bid with a renovated Kasarani Stadium, which is set for a major renovation ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, two years before the World Championships.

Kenya boasts a storied history in the World Athletics Championships, ranking second among nations in terms of success with seven gold medals and 11 medals overall at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. Additionally, 68% of Kenyans surveyed expressed high interest in athletics, surpassing the global average of 39%.