Kenya Set to Host 2029 World Athletics Championships

Kenya has reportedly been selected to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, potentially making it the first African country to stage the global athletics event.

The decision was reportedly announced during the World Athletics Council meeting in Budapest, with Nairobi’s bid prevailing over that of the United Kingdom.

Nairobi previously sought to host the 2025 championships, but Tokyo was eventually awarded the event. The Kenyan capital has nevertheless continued to strengthen its reputation as an important athletics destination, having hosted the World U18 Championships in 2017 and the World U20 Championships in 2021.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe reportedly praised Nairobi’s bid, describing it as “compelling and emotional” and highlighting Kenya’s longstanding contribution to the sport.

If confirmed, the 2029 championships would represent a major milestone for African athletics and provide the continent with an opportunity to host World Athletics’ flagship competition.

World Athletics also reportedly selected Munich, Germany, as the host city for the 2031 championships. The event would return to Germany for the first time since Berlin hosted the competition in 2009.