Kenya has officially submitted its bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, renewing its ambition to become the first African country to stage the sport’s flagship global event.
Nairobi is competing against London, Rome and Munich for the hosting rights, with World Athletics expected to announce its decision next month.
Athletics Kenya said the country’s bid is backed by the Kenyan government and presents a strong case for bringing the championships to Africa for the first time.
“The government has committed its full support to the bid, ensuring the necessary organisational framework, security measures and modern infrastructure required to host a world-class global showpiece,” Athletics Kenya said in a statement.
Kenya has a rich history in athletics, particularly in middle- and long-distance running. The country has won 72 World Championship and 38 Olympic gold medals, while Kenyan athletes currently hold 17 world records across track and road events, including men’s and women’s marathon records.
At last year’s World Championships in Tokyo, Kenya finished second on the overall medal table, winning seven gold medals among its 11 podium finishes.
The country also has significant experience hosting major international athletics competitions. Kenya hosted the 2007 World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa, the World Under-18 Championships in Nairobi in 2017 and the World Under-20 Championships in Nairobi in 2021.
Nairobi also hosted the 2010 African Athletics Championships at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Kenya previously bid unsuccessfully to host the 2025 World Athletics Championships. A successful 2029 bid would therefore mark a major milestone for the East African nation and further strengthen its position as a leading destination for international sporting events.
The country is also scheduled to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations football tournament with neighbouring Tanzania and Uganda.
In another milestone for African athletics, Botswana became the first African country to host the World Athletics Relays when the competition was held in Gaborone in May.
A successful Kenyan bid for the 2029 World Athletics Championships would make history by bringing the sport’s premier global championship to African soil for the first time.
