Kenya has submitted an official bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, seeking to become the first African nation to stage the sport’s premier global event. The bid, confirmed by Athletics Kenya, faces competition from London, Rome and Munich, with a decision from World Athletics expected next month.
The national federation says its proposal carries full government backing. “The government has committed its full support to the bid, ensuring the necessary organisational framework, security measures and modern infrastructure required to host a world-class global showpiece,” Athletics Kenya said in a statement. Kasarani Stadium, with a capacity of 48,000, is designated as the primary venue.
Kenya’s athletics pedigree underpins the bid. The country has won 72 World Championship gold medals and 38 Olympic golds, predominantly in middle- and long-distance events. Kenyan athletes currently hold 17 world records across track and road disciplines, including both the men’s and women’s marathon marks. At last year’s World Championships in Tokyo, Kenya finished second in the overall medal table with seven golds among 11 total podium finishes.
The country has previous experience hosting major athletics events. Nairobi staged the World Under-18 Championships in 2017 and the World Under-20 Championships in 2021. Mombasa hosted the 2007 World Cross Country Championships, while Nyayo National Stadium welcomed the 2010 African Athletics Championships. Kenya previously bid unsuccessfully for the 2025 World Championships.
Awarding the 2029 edition to Nairobi would represent a historic milestone for African sport. The continent will host its first World Athletics Relays in May, when Botswana stages the event in Gaborone. Kenya is also preparing to co-host next year’s Africa Cup of Nations football tournament alongside Tanzania and Uganda, further expanding its portfolio of major international competitions.
