Kenya’s Historic 2029 World Athletics Bid Could Bring Championships to Africa for First Time

Kenya has made a historic bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, potentially becoming the first African country to stage the sport’s flagship global event.

The East African athletics powerhouse has submitted an official bid, with Nairobi competing against London, Rome and Munich for the right to host the championships. World Athletics is expected to announce the successful host next month.

Athletics Kenya said the country's bid has strong government backing and presents a compelling opportunity to bring one of the world's biggest athletics events to Africa for the first time.

The Kenyan government has pledged its support, including the organisational framework, security arrangements and infrastructure required to stage a major international sporting event.

If Kenya wins the bid, Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, which can accommodate around 48,000 spectators, is expected to serve as the main venue.

A landmark moment for African athletics

Kenya's bid carries particular significance given the country's extraordinary history in athletics.

The nation has won 72 World Championship gold medals and 38 Olympic gold medals, establishing itself as one of the world's leading athletics nations, particularly in middle- and long-distance running.

Kenyan athletes currently hold 17 world records across track and road events, including men's and women's marathon records.

At last year's World Championships in Tokyo, Kenya finished second on the overall medal table, collecting seven gold medals among 11 podium finishes.

Among the country's global stars is Faith Kipyegon, a five-time World Champion and three-time Olympic gold medallist, whose achievements have helped cement Kenya's reputation as an athletics powerhouse.

Kenya's growing hosting credentials

Kenya has previously hosted several major international athletics events, including the 2007 World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa, the 2017 World Under-18 Championships and the 2021 World Under-20 Championships in Nairobi.

Nairobi also hosted the 2010 African Athletics Championships at Nyayo National Stadium.

The country is now seeking to take the next step by bringing the senior World Championships to African soil.

Kenya previously bid unsuccessfully to host the 2025 World Championships, but its renewed 2029 campaign reflects growing confidence in the country's ability to stage major international sporting events.

A wider African sporting moment

A successful Kenyan bid would represent more than a victory for the country. It would be a landmark moment for African sport, giving the continent an opportunity to showcase its athletes, sporting infrastructure, culture and ability to host a global athletics spectacle.

Kenya is already preparing for another major continental assignment, as it is set to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with Tanzania and Uganda.

In May 2026, Botswana became the first African country to host the World Athletics Relays, staging the competition in Gaborone.

Kenya winning the 2029 World Athletics Championships would build on that momentum and potentially open a new chapter in the history of major international athletics events on the continent.