Nairobi Awarded 2029 World Athletics Championships in Historic African First

World Athletics confirmed the landmark decision on Tuesday, September 15, following its Council meeting in Budapest, Hungary. Nairobi emerged victorious from a strong field of bids that included London, Rome and Munich.

The decision represents a major milestone for Kenyan and African athletics, with the continent set to host the World Athletics Championships for the first time in the competition’s history.
Kasarani to Take Centre Stage
The championships will be staged at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, which is currently undergoing a major renovation ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nairobi already has considerable experience hosting major international athletics competitions. Kasarani staged the World Athletics Under-18 Championships in 2017 and the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in 2021. The Kenyan capital also hosts the annual Kip Keino Classic, which has become one of Africa’s leading one-day athletics meetings.
World Athletics said Nairobi’s previous experience, operational planning, financial guarantees and upgraded stadium were important elements of its successful bid.

Sebastian Coe Hails Nairobi’s Historic Bid
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe described Nairobi’s proposal as a compelling and emotional bid, stressing the significance of taking the championships to Africa for the first time.
Coe also highlighted Kenya’s deep connection with athletics and the country’s long list of global stars, including Faith Kipyegon, Eliud Kipchoge, Hellen Obiri, David Rudisha and Kip Keino.

“It was important that the World Championships should come to Africa when we had the right host, the right bid and the right circumstances,” Coe said.
Kenya’s Athletics Legacy
The decision comes as Kenya continues to cement its position as one of the world’s leading athletics nations.
According to World Athletics research, 68 percent of Kenyans surveyed rated their interest in athletics as high, compared with a global average of 39 percent.
Kenya is also the second-most successful nation in World Athletics Championships history and finished second on the medal table at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, winning seven gold medals and 11 medals overall.
The 2029 championships will therefore give Kenyan athletes the rare opportunity to compete for world titles in front of a home crowd.
A Major Moment for African Athletics
Beyond Kenya, the Nairobi decision is being viewed as a significant step in the continued growth of athletics across Africa.
World Athletics said its next three editions will take the championships to Asia, Africa and Europe — Beijing in 2027, Nairobi in 2029 and Munich in 2031.
For Nairobi, the event is expected to provide another opportunity to showcase Kenya as a major sporting destination while creating a lasting legacy through infrastructure, event management and opportunities for young athletes.
Kenya’s successful bid also comes after Nairobi previously sought to host the 2025 World Championships, which were ultimately awarded to Tokyo.
This time, however, Nairobi has secured the biggest prize — and in doing so, Kenya will lead Africa into a new chapter in global athletics.
Nairobi 2029 is now official. Africa’s biggest athletics stage is coming home to Kenya.
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