Nairobi Makes History as First African City to Host 2029 World Athletics Championships

Nairobi will host the World Athletics Championships in 2029, defeating rival bids from London, Munich, and Rome to become the historic first African host of the event, World Athletics has announced.

Track and field's governing body revealed the decision following a council meeting on Tuesday in Budapest, which recently hosted the Ultimate Championship. Munich was simultaneously awarded the 2031 championships.

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe stated at a press conference that the council faced a difficult choice with four exceptional bids for the 2029 and 2031 events. With Beijing already securing the 2027 edition, Coe highlighted that the upcoming tournaments will span Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Coe praised Nairobi's compelling and emotional bid, emphasizing that taking the championships to Africa for the first time marks a momentous occasion. He noted that Kenya demonstrated it is ready to supercharge the development of athletics across the continent and create a lasting legacy.

Kenya previously 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, alongside the 2010 African Athletics Championships.

Reflecting on Nairobi's failed bid for the 2025 world championships, Coe commended the city's persistence. The local team improved their proposal and is currently renovating the Kasarani Stadium as part of preparations to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.