Kenya: Pride and Joy As Kenya Chosen to Host 2029 World Athletics Championships

What the report says

World Athletics has chosen Nairobi to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, making Kenya the first African country to stage the event, according to AllAfrica’s cited RFI report. The decision was announced after a meeting of the sport’s governing council in Budapest, where Nairobi was selected over London, Rome and Munich. The German city was instead awarded the 2031 championships.

Kenyan officials welcomed the announcement as recognition of the country’s long-standing strength in athletics. National Olympic Committee of Kenya president Shadrack Maluki said the selection reflects Kenya’s athletic heritage and the talent of its athletes. Kenyan runners and young athletes quoted in the report described the move as a source of pride and an opportunity to inspire future generations. Former marathon world record holder Paul Tergat called it a major moment for the country.

The choice also comes with added scrutiny. The report notes that Kenya has faced repeated doping cases in recent years, including more than 140 suspensions of Kenyan athletes since 2017 under the Athletics Integrity Unit. A senior official at Kenya’s anti-doping agency said the hosting decision shows confidence in Kenya and pointed to recent cooperation with World Athletics on cleaner sport.

The article also places the decision in the context of broader sports investment in Kenya, including plans for major spending on sports infrastructure and development. That background suggests the championships could become both a showcase for Kenyan athletics and a test of the country’s preparations.