Nairobi, Kenya, has been selected to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, marking the first time the prestigious global athletics event will be held in Africa. World Athletics announced the decision following its council meeting in Budapest on 15 September 2026.
The championship will be held at Kasarani Stadium, which is currently undergoing major renovations ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2029 World Athletics Championships. Nairobi has previously hosted major international athletics events, including the World Under-18 Championships in 2017 and the World Under-20 Championships in 2021.
The decision is significant for Kenya, a country with a long history of success in athletics. World Athletics said Kenya is one of the world’s leading athletics nations and has strong public interest in the sport.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe described Nairobi’s selection as a historic moment for the sport. He said bringing the championships to Africa would help expand the global reach of athletics.
The 2029 championship is expected to attract athletes, officials, spectators and visitors from different parts of the world. It will also provide Kenya with an opportunity to showcase its athletics culture and its ability to host major international sporting events.
The next World Athletics Championships will take place in Beijing, China, in September 2027, before the event moves to Nairobi in 2029. Munich, Germany, has been selected to host the 2031 edition.
