Nairobi has been selected to host the 2029 World Athletics Championship, defeating competing bids from London, Rome and Munich, marking the first time in history.
The announcement was made during the 242nd World Athletics Council Meeting in Budapest, were Nairobi’s bid triumphed over strong international competition, placing Kenya at the center of the world’s biggest athletics stage.
“We were fortunate to have four outstanding bids for 2029 and 2031, and this was not an easy decision for the Council,” stated World Athletics President Sebastian Coe.
Nairobi’s successful bid is deep-rooted in legacy athletics and its growing reputation as world-class host city. It is also recognizes Kenya’s longstanding track and field tradition and its prominence in global athletics.
“Nairobi and Munich ultimately presented two compelling propositions. They offer very different but equally exciting opportunities for our sport, and I am delighted that we can now begin working with both cities to stage two world-class championships,” Coe added.
Munich will host the 2031 World Athletics Championships at the iconic Olympic Stadium, bringing the event back to Germany for the first time since Berlin hosted it in 2009.
Nairobi selection is a proof of previous major competitions hosted in the nation such as the 2017 World Under -18 Championships, the 2021 World Under-20 Championships and the annual Kip Keino Classic.
The Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani will serve as the backbone together with the Raila Odinga International Stadium are expected to serve the 2029 Championships.
The 2027 World Athletics Championships will be held in Beijing from September 10 to 19, with both Nairobi 2029 and Munich 2031 scheduled for September.