Kenya has launched an ambitious campaign to bring the 2029 World Athletics Championships to Africa for the first time, positioning Nairobi as the continent’s strongest bid yet for the sport’s premier global event.
The East African nation has formally submitted its bid to World Athletics, joining London, Rome and Munich in the race to host the championships. A decision is expected next month.
Athletics Kenya said the bid represents more than a hosting opportunity, describing it as a chance to secure a historic milestone for African athletics.
The organisation said the bid is fully supported by the Kenyan government, which has pledged to provide the infrastructure, security arrangements and organisational backing required to stage a world-class international competition.
Kasarani Stadium, with a capacity of 48,000, is expected to serve as the main venue if Nairobi is selected.
Kenya’s bid is built on one of the strongest athletics traditions in the world. The country has won 72 World Championship gold medals and 38 Olympic gold medals, while Kenyan athletes currently hold 17 world records across track and road events.
The country has also developed a growing reputation for hosting major athletics competitions, including the 2007 World Cross Country Championships, the 2017 World Under-18 Championships and the 2021 World U20 Championships, both held in Nairobi.
Although Kenya was unsuccessful in its bid for the 2025 World Championships, winning the rights to host the 2029 edition would mark a significant breakthrough for African sport and further strengthen the continent’s role in global athletics.
The bid also comes at a time when Africa is hosting more major international events. Botswana staged the 2025 World Athletics Relays, becoming the first African nation to host that competition, while Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are preparing to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
If successful, Nairobi would become the first African city to host the World Athletics Championships, bringing the sport’s biggest event to the continent that has produced many of its greatest champions.
