Kenya has officially submitted its bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, seeking to become the first African nation to stage the sport’s flagship global event.
Nairobi faces competition from London, Rome and Munich, with World Athletics expected to announce its decision next month.
Athletics Kenya said the bid has the backing of the Kenyan government, which has committed to providing the organisational framework, security measures and infrastructure needed to host the championships.
“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,” the organisation said in a statement.
Kasarani Stadium, which has a capacity of 48,000, is expected to be the proposed main venue if Kenya wins the hosting rights.
Kenya is relying heavily on its strong athletics heritage as part of its case to host the championships.
The country has won 72 World Championship and 38 Olympic gold medals, with Kenyan athletes particularly dominant in middle- and long-distance running.
Kenyan athletes currently hold 17 world records across track and road events, including the men’s and women’s marathon records.
At last year’s World Championships in Tokyo, Kenya finished second in the overall medal table, winning seven gold medals among 11 podium finishes.
The country also has considerable experience hosting major international athletics events.
Mombasa hosted the 2007 World Cross Country Championships, while Nairobi staged the World Under-18 Championships in 2017 and the World U20 Championships in 2021.
Nairobi also hosted the 2010 African Athletics Championships at Nyayo National Stadium.
Kenya previously submitted an unsuccessful bid to host the 2025 World Championships. Securing the 2029 edition would therefore represent another major step in the country’s ambitions to strengthen its position on the global sporting stage.
The bid comes as Kenya prepares for another major international sporting event, with the country set to co-host next year’s Africa Cup of Nations football tournament alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
Meanwhile, Botswana made history in May by becoming the first African nation to host the World Athletics Relays, staging the competition in Gaborone.
A successful Nairobi bid would further expand Africa’s role in hosting major international athletics competitions and give Kenya the opportunity to showcase its rich athletics tradition on home soil.
