Coe aims for African 'legacy' with 2029 World Championships

Sebastian Coe, the World Athletics president, aims to establish an African legacy by hosting the 2029 World Championships in Nairobi. The Kenyan capital will be the first city on the continent to stage the prestigious event, having been awarded the hosting rights last month over London and Rome. Coe believes that this new chapter will elevate the sport on the continent, providing a platform for human capital development and building experience and expertise.

Kenya will also co-host the Africa Cup of Nations alongside Tanzania and Uganda in 2027, with the Kasarani Stadium undergoing renovations for both tournaments. Coe visited Kenya recently to meet President William Ruto, emphasizing the need for significant improvements to prepare the nation for the World Championships. While acknowledging the challenges, Coe remains optimistic about Kenya's progress, particularly in anti-doping efforts, and believes that the overall experience for athletes and fans will be exceptional.