Kenya has officially submitted a bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, taking a major step toward making history as the first African nation to stage track and field’s flagship event.

Nairobi faces competition from heavyweight European candidate cities, including London, Rome, and Munich. World Athletics is expected to announce the winning host city next month.

Government Backing and Infrastructure

Athletics Kenya emphasized that its “robust” proposal carries full government guarantees.

“The government has committed its full support to the bid, ensuring the necessary organizational framework, security measures, and modern infrastructure required to host a world-class global showpiece,” Athletics Kenya stated in an official release.

The 48,000-capacity Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi is slating to serve as the centerpiece venue for the competition.

A Global Powerhouse Seeking Home Advantage

Kenya’s pedigree on the global track is unquestioned. The East African nation boasts an extraordinary record in middle- and long-distance running, holding 72 World Championship gold medals and 38 Olympic gold medals. Kenyan distance runners currently hold 17 world records across track and road events, including both the men’s and women’s marathons.

At the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Kenya reinforced its elite status by placing second overall in the medal table, capturing 11 total podium finishes, including seven gold medals.

Expanding Africa’s Hosting Footprint

While Kenya previously missed out on hosting rights for the 2025 World Championships, the nation has steadily built a strong resume for international sporting events:

  • 2007: Hosted the World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa.
  • 2010: Staged the African Athletics Championships at Nyayo National Stadium.
  • 2017 & 2021: Successfully hosted the World U18 and World U20 Athletics Championships in Nairobi.

A successful bid for 2029 would cap a transformative decade for East African sports diplomacy. Kenya is already gearing up to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside neighboring Tanzania and Uganda. Meanwhile, momentum across the continent continues to build, following Botswana’s historic staging of the World Athletics Relays in Gaborone earlier this year.

World Athletics’ upcoming decision will determine whether the sport’s marquee event finally lands on African soil for the first time in its 46-year history.