Kenya has secured the right to stage the 2029 World Athletics Championships, making it the first African nation to host the senior global competition.
The championships will take place in Nairobi, with events scheduled at the 48,000-seat Kasarani Stadium.
Nairobi emerged ahead of London and Rome, while Munich was selected to organise the 2031 edition.
Kenya’s strong record in athletics played a major role in its successful campaign.
The country has collected 72 World Championship titles and 38 Olympic gold medals, with most of its successes coming in middle- and long-distance disciplines.
It ranks as the second most decorated country in World Championships history.
Two-time Olympic marathon winner Eliud Kipchoge was among the prominent figures who supported Nairobi’s bid.
Kipchoge, who also captured the 5,000m world title in 2003, helped present Kenya’s case during the selection process.
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe described the proposal as “compelling and emotional”, while praising Kenya’s contribution to the sport.
He said athletics was deeply embedded in Kenyan society and that Africa deserved to host the championships when the appropriate opportunity arose.
The award represents a landmark moment for the continent, which has never previously staged the senior World Athletics Championships despite its long-standing contribution to the sport.
Kenya also pointed to its previous experience organising international competitions, including the 2007 World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa, the 2017 World Under-18 Championships and the 2021 World Under-20 Championships in Nairobi.
The country had previously sought the 2025 edition but was unsuccessful, with Tokyo eventually winning the bid.
At the time, inadequate infrastructure was considered one of Kenya’s major shortcomings.
For the 2029 campaign, authorities emphasised improvements to existing sporting venues as proof of the nation’s preparedness.
The country is currently refurbishing several stadiums as it prepares to jointly host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with Tanzania and Uganda.
Kasarani Stadium is also undergoing extensive reconstruction as part of preparations to accommodate matches during the continental football tournament.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong