Nairobi has been selected to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, marking the first time the global event will be held in Africa. London, which hosted the championships in 2017, had also bid for the event but missed out.
The decision was announced in Budapest on Tuesday following the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships. Munich, Germany, has been chosen to host the 2031 edition.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe called Nairobi’s selection historic and highlighted Kenya’s strong athletics culture and fan support. “Taking our championships to Africa for the first time will be historic,” Coe said.
Nairobi’s bid was supported by its experience hosting major youth athletics events. The city’s Kasarani Stadium is also undergoing renovation and is expected to be ready for the nine-day championship.
Coe also pointed to Kenya’s famous athletes, including Faith Kipyegon, Eliud Kipchoge and David Rudisha, while praising the country’s strong public interest in athletics.
The 2029 event will be part of three consecutive championships held outside Europe, following Beijing in 2027 and preceding Munich in 2031. Coe said World Athletics wants to expand the sport’s global reach while recognising Europe’s importance to athletics.
