Nairobi selected as first African host of World Athletics Championships in 2029

The World Athletics Council selected Nairobi as the host city for the 2029 World Athletics Championships on September 14–15, making Kenya the first African nation to stage the sport's flagship global event. The decision was announced during the 242nd World Athletics Council Meeting in Budapest, concluding a competitive bidding process that included London, Rome, and Munich.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe described the selection as historic, stating that Nairobi presented "a compelling and emotional bid" and that "it was important that the World Athletics Championships should come to Africa when we had the right host, the right bid and the right circumstances." Coe highlighted Kenya's deep connection to athletics, noting that the sport is "woven into the fabric of the country" and referencing notable Kenyan champions including Faith Kipyegon, Vivian Cheruiyot, Eliud Kipchoge, Hellen Obiri, David Rudisha, Kip Keino, Paul Tergat, and Tegla Loroupe.

The selection of Nairobi follows the city's prior experience hosting major international athletics events. Kasarani Stadium, the proposed venue, hosted the World U18 Championships in 2017 and the World U20 Championships in 2021. The stadium is currently undergoing structural renovation ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027, scheduled two years before the World Athletics Championships. According to World Athletics research, 68 percent of Kenyan respondents rated their interest in athletics as high, compared with a global average of 39 percent, and Kenya ranks second in World Athletics Championships historical medal counts.

London's unsuccessful bid drew disappointment from UK Athletics leadership. Jack Buckner, CEO of UK Athletics, stated: "We are deeply disappointed that the 2029 World Athletics Championships will not be held in London. We believed we had an outstanding bid which would genuinely take the sport to new levels." Complications surrounding London's proposed use of London Stadium—home to West Ham United football club—during the championship dates contributed to the outcome, according to reporting. Rome also did not advance in the selection process.

The Council simultaneously selected Munich to host the 2031 World Athletics Championships, marking Germany's third time hosting the event. World Athletics noted that Munich's presentation was "extraordinarily strong." The decision means the next three World Athletics Championships will occur on three different continents: Beijing in 2027, Nairobi in 2029, and Munich in 2031—all scheduled for September.

Kenyan President William Ruto welcomed the decision, stating: "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 in cross country." The selection represents a major milestone for African athletics and expands the continent's hosting record, which includes the 2017 World Cross Country Championships in Kampala, the 2026 World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, and upcoming championships in Nairobi.