Nairobi to Host 2029 World Athletics Championships

World Athletics announced that Nairobi will host the 2029 World Outdoor Athletics Championships, making it the first African city to do so. The decision was made during a council meeting in Budapest, where Nairobi outbid London, Munich, and Rome.

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe emphasized the historic significance of bringing the championships to Africa, noting that Nairobi's bid was compelling and emotional. He stated that the event would supercharge the development of athletics in Kenya and across Africa.

Kenya has previously hosted several international athletics events, including the 2007 World Cross Country Championships and the 2010 African Athletics Championships. The 2031 championships will take place in Munich, while the 2027 event has been awarded to Beijing.

Coe praised the renovated Kasarani Stadium, which is undergoing improvements ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027. Kenyan cabinet secretary Salim Mvurya expressed that this decision affirms Kenya's central role in global athletics.