Nairobi to Become First African City to Host 2029 World Athletics Championships

Nairobi to Become First African City to Host 2029 World Athletics Championships

Nairobi has secured the hosting rights for the 2029 World Athletics Championships, making it the first African city to organise the prestigious global athletics competition.

World Athletics announced the decision after its council meeting in Budapest, where Nairobi emerged ahead of London, Rome and Munich in the race to host the championship.

The selection marks a significant achievement for Kenya, a country internationally recognised for producing some of the world’s finest long-distance runners and Olympic champions.

Hosting the 2029 World Athletics Championships will give Kenyan athletes the opportunity to compete before home supporters while encouraging more young people to pursue athletics professionally.

The event is also expected to attract athletes, coaches, officials and spectators from across the world, placing Kenya at the centre of international athletics.

President William Ruto welcomed Nairobi’s selection, highlighting the government’s investment in sports infrastructure as the country prepares to host the global competition.

Meanwhile, Munich has been selected to host the 2031 World Athletics Championships, following the process that considered several cities interested in staging future editions of the event.