Nairobi to Host 2029 World Athletics Championships

Nairobi, Kenya, has been officially selected to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, marking the first occasion the global track and field event will take place on African soil. This decision was made during the 242nd World Athletics Council Meeting in Budapest, where Nairobi triumphed over competing bids from London, Rome, and Munich.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe remarked on the emotional significance of the bid, emphasizing Kenya's rich athletic heritage. The main events will occur at the Kasarani Stadium, which is currently undergoing upgrades in preparation for co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, expressed pride in this achievement, highlighting the deep connection between running and Kenyan identity. Research indicates that 68% of Kenyans have a high interest in athletics, significantly above the global average of 39%.