In 2029, Nairobi will make history as Kenya becomes the first African country to host the World Athletics Championships. As a nation that is known for having a long-standing reputation of containing exceptional runners, the event will be a milestone to remember, as it is one of sport’s biggest global events.
World Athletics announced Nairobi, the capital of Kenya and a well-known Commonwealth country, as the host for the event following a council meeting in Budapest on September 15 of this year. The decision also awarded the 2031 championships to Munich, while Beijing is already scheduled to stage the 2027 edition.
Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium will be the center of the championships. However, the stadium is currently undergoing renovation. The venue is also part of Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which it will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania, both of which are also in the Commonwealth. This means infrastructure being developed for the continental football tournament can also contribute to preparations for the athletics championships two years later.
Kenya’s selection carries a very special significance because athletics has played a huge role in the country’s sporting identity. Kenyan athletes have achieved international success all throughout middle- and long-distance events, with figures including Eliud Kipchoge, Faith Kipyegon and David Rudisha who have driven hard to become prominent names on the global stage. World Athletics identifies Kenya as the second-most successful nation in World Championships history.
Nairobi has also demonstrated its ability to organize major international athletics competitions. The city hosted the World U18 Championships back in the year 2017 and the World U20 Championships in 2021. Kenya had previously looked for the senior championships for 2025, but Tokyo ultimately received the hosting rights.
The 2029 event will therefore represent more than another major competition for Kenya. It will mark the first time athletes from around the world compete for World Athletics Championship titles on African soil, placing Nairobi at the center of the international athletics calendar and giving the continent a new opportunity to showcase its sporting infrastructure and athletic talent.
