Nairobi will bring athletics’ world championships to Africa

Nairobi will host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, making Kenya the first African country to stage the sport’s flagship global event. World Athletics selected the Kenyan capital after considering four bids for the 2029 and 2031 editions. Munich was awarded the later championships, while Beijing will host in 2027, placing the next three editions in Asia, Africa and Europe.

The decision builds on Kenya’s experience hosting international competition. Nairobi staged the World Under-18 Championships in 2017, the World Under-20 Championships in 2021 and the African Athletics Championships in 2010. Mombasa hosted the World Cross Country Championships in 2007. Nairobi also returned with a stronger proposal after losing its bid for the 2025 championships, supported by the renovation of Kasarani Stadium.

The choice reflects unusually strong public interest in athletics. In a World Athletics survey, about 68 percent of Kenyan respondents described their interest as high, compared with a global average of 39 percent.

Hosting will also bring responsibility and scrutiny. More than 100 Kenyan athletes have been suspended in doping cases in recent years. Delivering a successful championship will therefore involve not only facilities and crowds, but firm integrity standards as Kenya welcomes the world in 2029.