Kenya has officially submitted its bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships in Nairobi, seeking to make history as the first African city to stage the sport’s flagship global event. Nairobi is competing against London, Rome and Munich, with World Athletics expected to announce the winning host in September 2026. Athletics Kenya says the bid has the backing of the Kenyan government, including commitments covering organization, security and infrastructure. The proposed main venue is Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, which has a capacity of about 48,000 spectators.
Kenya’s case is strengthened by its remarkable record in international athletics, particularly in middle- and long-distance running. At the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Kenya finished second on the medal table behind the United States, winning seven gold, two silver and two bronze medals. Among Kenya’s standout performers was Beatrice Chebet, who won the women’s 5,000m and 10,000m titles in Tokyo. The country also has considerable experience hosting major athletics competitions. Nairobi staged the 2017 World Under-18 Championships and the 2021 World Under-20 Championships, while Mombasa hosted the 2007 World Cross Country Championships.
Kenya previously failed in its attempt to secure the 2025 World Championships, which were eventually awarded to Tokyo. A successful 2029 bid would therefore represent a major step forward for Kenya and could open a new chapter for global athletics on the African continent. The timing is also significant. In May 2026, Gaborone, Botswana, became the first African host of the World Athletics Relays, demonstrating growing confidence in Africa’s ability to stage major World Athletics events. For Kenya, however, the 2029 bid is about more than hosting another sporting event. It is an opportunity to bring the world’s biggest athletics championship to a country whose sporting identity is deeply connected to the global success of track and field.
