Kenya has won the bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, becoming the first African country to stage the global event, following a decision by the World Athletics Council held in Budapest, Hungary. 

“The quality, ambition and commitment demonstrated by all four candidates underlines the strength and global appeal of the World Athletics Championships,” said World Athletics president Sebastian Coe. 

“Nairobi presented a compelling and emotional bid, and taking the World Athletics Championships to Africa for the first time will be historic.” 

Nairobi will stage the 2029 edition at the Iconic Kasarani stadium, with Kenya being the second most successful nation in Championship history, hosting the sport’s flagship event. The stadium which is undergoing renovation ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 also hosted the World U18 Championships in 2017 and the World U20 Championships in 2021.

President William Ruto hailed the winning bid as a “victory for generations of athletes” who have made the nation “synonymous with excellence” on the track and road.

 Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvuvya welcome the announcement terming it a milestone achievement. “We accept this honour and want to promise the global community that Kenya will continue to be a home of champions in matters of athletics.”

“The World will come to a country where running is more than a competition. It is our national story and where every generation believes that the next World champion can emerge from,” he said. 

The selection of Nairobi is also expected to significantly boost tourism in the country by converting the global attention into bringing visitors beyond the stadium, to experience our wildlife, culture, adventure and hospitality. 

Nairobi beat London and Rome to the hosting rights, with Munich set to stage the 2031 edition.