Kenya bids to host 2029 World Athletics Championships

What the report says

Kenya has formally entered the race to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, in a move reported by BBC Africa as part of its ambition to become the first African country to stage the sport’s premier global meet. The bid comes from Nairobi, which is competing against London, Rome and Munich, with World Athletics expected to decide next month.

Athletics Kenya said the proposal is supported by the national government and is built around security, organisation and infrastructure commitments. BBC Sport Africa reported that Kasarani Stadium, which seats about 48,000, is the intended venue if the bid succeeds. Kenya already has a strong reputation in track and field, particularly in middle- and long-distance events, and has amassed numerous Olympic and world titles over the years.

The country has previously hosted several international athletics events, including the World Cross Country Championships, the World Under-18 Championships and the World U20 Championships, all in different Kenyan cities. It also staged the 2010 African Athletics Championships in Nairobi. A successful bid would be a significant milestone for Kenya and a wider boost for African athletics on the world stage. For context, Botswana recently became the first African host of the World Athletics Relays, highlighting the continent’s growing role in major athletics events.