The Kenyan capital will host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, beating powerhouse bids from London, Munich and Rome to become the first African city ever to stage the event.
World Athletics announced the decision on Tuesday after a Council meeting in Budapest, also awarding the 2031 edition to Munich.
For Kenya, it is more than a tournament it is justice. The second most successful nation in championship history has produced legends from Kip Keino to Faith Kipyegon, yet the world’s biggest track event had never touched African soil.
“This is Kenya’s moment, Africa’s moment,” President William Ruto said, calling it a victory for generations who made Kenya synonymous with excellence.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe praised Nairobi’s bid as “compelling and emotional,” saying it was important the championship came to Africa when the right host and right circumstances aligned.
Nairobi is no stranger to global stages, having hosted the World U18 in 2017 and World U20 in 2021, but 2029 will be bigger.
Events will be at a renovated Kasarani Stadium, currently being overhauled for AFCON 2027.
From bidding losers in 2025 to history makers now.
