Nairobi will make history by hosting the Nairobi 2029 World Athletics Championships, becoming the first African city to stage the prestigious global outdoor athletics event. World Athletics announced the decision after a council meeting in Budapest, selecting the Kenyan capital ahead of competing bids from London, Munich and Rome.
The announcement marks a major milestone for athletics in Africa and reflects World Athletics’ growing focus on expanding the sport’s global reach. Munich was selected to host the 2031 championships, while Beijing will stage the 2027 edition.
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said the decision followed a competitive bidding process involving four strong candidates for the 2029 and 2031 events. He described Nairobi’s proposal as compelling and emphasized the historic importance of bringing the world championships to Africa for the first time.
Historic Moment for Africa
The Nairobi 2029 World Athletics Championships will represent a landmark moment for Kenya and the wider African continent. Kenya has long been recognized as one of the world’s leading athletics nations, particularly in middle- and long-distance running.
Coe said Nairobi had demonstrated that the timing was right for Africa to host the global championships. He also highlighted the potential for the event to strengthen athletics development across Kenya and other African countries.
Kenyan President William Ruto welcomed the decision, calling it a victory for Kenya and generations of athletes who have helped establish the country’s reputation in athletics, road racing and cross-country competition.
The hosting rights also recognize Kenya’s long history of organizing international athletics events. The country hosted the 2007 World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa, the 2017 World Under-18 Championships and the 2021 World Under-20 Championships in Nairobi. The capital also hosted the 2010 African Athletics Championships.
Stronger Bid After 2025 Setback
Kenya previously attempted to secure the 2025 World Athletics Championships but was unsuccessful. According to Coe, the Nairobi team learned from that bidding process and returned with a stronger proposal for 2029.
A major part of the successful bid is the renovation of Kasarani Stadium. The facility is undergoing a major overhaul ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, giving Nairobi an opportunity to provide an upgraded venue for one of the biggest events in international athletics.
Coe also pointed to Kenya’s deep connection with track and field. Athletics is closely associated with the country’s sporting identity, with athletes such as Olympic and world champion Faith Kipyegon helping to shape Kenya’s international reputation.
The enthusiasm of Kenyan athletics fans was another factor highlighted by World Athletics, with organizers expecting strong local and regional interest when the championships arrive in 2029.
Anti-Doping Remains a Challenge
Despite the excitement surrounding the Nairobi 2029 World Athletics Championships, Kenya will also face scrutiny over its anti-doping record.
More than 140 Kenyan athletes, many of them long-distance runners, have been suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit since 2017 for violations involving banned substances. This has made anti-doping an important issue for Kenyan athletics.
Hosting the world championships will therefore provide Kenya with an opportunity not only to showcase its athletes and facilities but also to demonstrate stronger commitment to clean sport and effective anti-doping measures.
Munich Gets 2031 Championships
Alongside Nairobi’s selection, World Athletics awarded the 2031 championships to Munich. The German city most recently hosted the European Athletics Championships at its Olympic Park in 2022.
Coe praised Germany’s experience in organizing major athletics competitions and said Munich had the infrastructure, audience and sporting culture needed to deliver a successful world championships.
The 2027 championships will take place in Beijing, meaning the next three editions will be hosted across Asia, Africa and Europe.
Coe acknowledged that Europe remains a major center for athletics but said World Athletics also has a responsibility to expand the sport into new regions. The organization believes taking its flagship championships to different continents can increase participation, visibility and long-term growth.
A New Chapter for African Athletics
The Nairobi 2029 World Athletics Championships could become a defining event for African athletics. Kenya’s strong running tradition, passionate fan base and growing experience in international sports events provide a strong foundation for the competition.
The decision also sends a wider message about Africa’s role in global athletics. By selecting Nairobi, World Athletics is giving the continent its first opportunity to host the outdoor championships and potentially creating a lasting legacy for athletes, coaches and young sports enthusiasts.
World Athletics is also preparing to select a host city for the 2028 Ultimate Championship, a new three-day season-ending competition designed to bring together the world’s top athletes. Coe said there is already significant interest in hosting that event, with a decision expected before the end of the year.
For Nairobi, however, the focus will now turn toward preparation for 2029. The successful bid gives Kenya several years to complete its infrastructure upgrades, strengthen event organization and ensure the country is ready to welcome the world’s best athletes for a historic edition of the World Athletics Championships.
