Kenya Bids to Host First African World Athletics Championships

Kenya has formally bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, aiming to become the first African nation to stage track and field’s flagship event. Nairobi is competing against London, Rome, and Munich, with World Athletics expected to announce a decision next month. Athletics Kenya says the bid has full government backing, including commitments on infrastructure and security, with the 48,000-capacity Kasarani Stadium as the likely venue. Kenya boasts a storied athletics history, having won 72 World Championships and 38 Olympic gold medals, along with 17 current world records. The country finished second in the medal table at last year’s World Championships in Tokyo. Kenya has previously hosted major athletics events, including the 2017 World Under-18 Championships and the 2021 World U20 Championships, but lost its bid to host the 2025 World Championships. It will also co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.