Kenya has been awarded the right to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships in Nairobi, becoming the first African country to stage the global athletics event.
World Athletics announced the decision on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, following a council meeting in Budapest, Hungary. Munich, Germany, was selected to host the 2031 edition.
President William Ruto welcomed the decision, describing it as a significant moment for Kenya and the continent. In a statement shared on social media, Ruto congratulated the Kenyan bid team, Athletics Kenya, the Ministry of Sports, Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy, athletes and others involved in securing the hosting rights.
“This is Kenya’s moment, Africa’s moment and a victory for generations of athletes who made our nation synonymous with excellence on the track, on the road and cross country,”statement read.
Ruto said Kenya would work to deliver a championship worthy of the country’s long-standing athletics tradition, while thanking World Athletics for placing its confidence in Kenya.
Nairobi has previously hosted major international athletics competitions, including the 2017 World Under-18 Championships and the 2021 World Under-20 Championships.
The 2029 championship will mark the first time the World Athletics Championships are staged on African soil, placing Kenya at the centre of one of the sport’s biggest global events.
