Kenya has secured a landmark victory in its bid to bring the World Athletics Championships to Africa.
Nairobi will host the 2029 World Athletics Championships after defeating competing bids from London, Munich and Rome.
World Athletics confirmed the decision on Tuesday following a council meeting in Budapest.
It will be the first time the global outdoor athletics championships are staged in Africa.
‘This Is Their Moment’
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe described Nairobi’s successful bid as a major step for athletics on the continent.
He said the Kenyan capital had presented a convincing proposal and demonstrated that the time was right for Africa to host the championships.
“Taking our championships to Africa for the first time will be historic,” Coe said.
He added that Nairobi had shown it was ready to use the event to expand athletics in Kenya and across Africa.
Nairobi Overcomes 2025 Setback
Kenya had previously bid to host the 2025 World Championships but lost out.
The experience, however, helped Nairobi strengthen its latest proposal.
Coe said the Kenyan bid team understood what was required and returned with a more competitive plan.
One of the major developments is the renovation of Kasarani Stadium, which is being upgraded ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Athletics at the Heart of Kenya
Kenya’s selection is closely linked to its long history in athletics.
The country is renowned worldwide for producing elite distance runners.
Coe specifically highlighted athletes such as Faith Kipyegon, whose achievements have helped shape the history of the sport.
He also praised the enthusiasm of Kenyan athletics fans.
“Athletics is woven into the fabric of Kenya,” Coe said.
Kenya has previously hosted several international competitions.
Mombasa staged the 2007 World Cross Country Championships.
Nairobi later hosted the 2017 World Under-18 Championships and the 2021 World Under-20 Championships.
The Kenyan capital also staged the 2010 African Athletics Championships.
Officials Welcome Historic Award
Kenyan Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya welcomed the announcement.
He said the decision showed that the international athletics community recognised Kenya’s importance to the sport.
Mvurya said the championship would be coming to a country where running forms part of its national identity.
He also expressed hope that the event would inspire young athletes across the country.
Munich Gets 2031 Edition
Munich will host the 2031 World Athletics Championships.
Coe said Germany had repeatedly demonstrated its ability to organise major athletics competitions.
Munich hosted the European Athletics Championships in 2022.
According to Coe, the city has the facilities, experience and fan base needed to deliver a successful global championship.
Three Continents, Three Championships
The next three editions will take World Athletics to three different continents.
Beijing will host the 2027 championships.
Nairobi will stage the 2029 edition.
Munich will follow in 2031.
Coe said the decision reflects World Athletics’ wider goal of expanding the sport’s global reach.
Although Europe remains a major centre for athletics, he said the governing body also has a responsibility to take its biggest events to regions where the sport can grow further.
For Kenya, the 2029 championship will be more than another major sporting event.
It will mark Africa’s first opportunity to host the world’s biggest outdoor athletics championship.
