World Athletics selects Nairobi to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, the event’s first edition on African soil. The decision comes after bids from London, Munich and Rome, with Nairobi winning the 2029 assignment at a council meeting in Budapest. World Athletics says the choice is part of a planned rotation across continents in upcoming editions.
Sebastian Coe, the World Athletics president, says the council had multiple “outstanding” bids and that the process was not easy. He describes Nairobi’s bid as “convincing and moving,” citing the city’s plan and the role of the renovated Kasarani Stadium, which is under overhaul ahead of AFCON 2027. Kenyan officials and outlets covering the decision emphasize national pride and athletics’ popularity in Kenya.
Several outlets also note broader context and differing angles. Some frame the award as historic for Africa and as a boost for developing the sport on the continent. Others highlight concerns, including Kenya’s anti-doping record. One outlet points to the suspensions of more than 140 Kenyan athletes since 2017 and questions how that record factors into the award. In the same announcement, World Athletics confirms Munich will host the 2031 championships and Beijing the 2027 edition.
