The announcement is a landmark moment for Kenya and African athletics. Kenya has a long and distinguished association with track and field, particularly through its success in middle- and long-distance running, but the World Athletics Championships have never previously been held on the African continent.

Nairobi has already hosted major international athletics competitions, including the World Athletics Under-18 Championships in 2017 and the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in 2021.

A historic moment for Africa

The 2029 championships will bring the world's leading track and field athletes to Kenya for an event that has been held outside Africa since its inaugural edition in 1983.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe welcomed Nairobi’s selection, pointing to Kenya’s strong athletics tradition and the significance of taking the championships to a new continent.

The successful Nairobi bid came against competition from cities with considerable experience in hosting major international sporting events. Its selection therefore represents a major achievement for Kenya’s athletics administration and its bid team.

Kasarani set for the spotlight

The championships are scheduled to take place at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, which is undergoing renovation.

The stadium is also part of Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, adding another major international sporting event to the venue’s calendar.

For Kenyan athletes, the 2029 championships will provide the opportunity to compete at a home World Championships. For fans, it will bring one of athletics’ biggest stages to Nairobi.

Munich awarded 2031 edition

World Athletics also announced that Munich, Germany, will host the 2031 World Athletics Championships.

The sequence means Beijing will host the 2027 championships, Nairobi will stage the event in 2029, and Munich will follow in 2031.

For Kenya, the immediate significance is clear: in 2029, Nairobi will become the first African city to host the World Athletics Championships.

It will be a historic occasion for the continent and another major chapter in Kenya’s long relationship with athletics.