Kenya beats UK to host 2029 World Athletics Championships
Nairobi has been selected to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships after Kenya beat competing bids from London, Munich and Rome.
World Athletics announced the decision on Tuesday following a council meeting in Budapest, confirming Nairobi as the first African host of the outdoor World Athletics Championships. Munich was awarded the 2031 edition, while Beijing will host the 2027 championships.
Nairobi makes World Athletics history
The decision marks a major milestone for African athletics, with the continent set to host the World Athletics Championships for the first time.
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said the organisation had received four outstanding bids for the 2029 and 2031 championships, making the decision difficult for the council.
Coe described Nairobi's bid as compelling and emotional, adding that bringing the championships to Africa was important when the right host, bid and circumstances were in place.
Kenya previously failed in its attempt to secure the 2025 World Championships. However, the country has a strong record of staging major athletics events.
Mombasa hosted the 2007 World Cross Country Championships, while Nairobi staged the World Under-18 Championships in 2017 and the World Under-20 Championships in 2021. The Kenyan capital also hosted the 2010 African Athletics Championships.
Kasarani Stadium set for major overhaul
Coe said Nairobi's experience from the 2025 bidding process helped its team return with a stronger proposal. A key part of the bid is the renovation of Kasarani Stadium, which is undergoing a complete overhaul ahead of hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Coe said Nairobi had demonstrated that it was ready to help accelerate the development of athletics in Kenya and across Africa while leaving a lasting legacy for the sport.
Athletics central to Kenya's identity
Coe also highlighted Kenya's deep connection with athletics and praised the country's level of fan engagement.
He specifically mentioned world and Olympic middle-distance star Faith Kipyegon among the Kenyan athletes who have helped shape the history of the sport.
Kenyan cabinet secretary Salim Mvurya said the decision confirmed Kenya's place within the global athletics community.
Mvurya said running is more than a competition in Kenya and described it as part of the country's national story, with successive generations aspiring to produce world champions.
Munich awarded the 2031 championships
Munich will host the 2031 World Athletics Championships after also submitting a bid for the event.
The German city most recently staged the 2022 European Athletics Championships at its Olympic Park. Coe said Germany had repeatedly demonstrated its ability to host major athletics events and that Munich had the ingredients to deliver a spectacular championships.
Coe also addressed the fact that the next three World Athletics Championships will be held outside Europe, despite describing Europe as a major centre of the sport.
He said World Athletics also had a responsibility to take its championships to regions where the sport could strategically expand its global footprint.
World Athletics looks ahead to 2028
Beyond the World Championships, Coe said there was already significant interest in hosting the 2028 edition of the Ultimate Championship.
The three-day season-ending competition was created in 2026 and brings together leading athletes from across the sport. Coe said interest in staging the 2028 event had already increased.
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