Kenya: Ruto Hails Nairobi's 2029 World Athletics Win, Says 32 Stadiums Are Under Construction

What the report says

President William Ruto has welcomed Nairobi’s selection as host of the 2029 World Athletics Championships, describing it as a major milestone for Kenya and for Africa. The announcement followed World Athletics Council decisions made in Budapest, where Nairobi was chosen for 2029 and Munich for 2031.

According to the report carried by Capital FM and distributed by AllAfrica, Ruto said Kenya’s bid reflected the country’s long history in track and field and would make Nairobi the first African city to stage the senior World Athletics Championships. He also thanked the Kenya 2029 bid team, Athletics Kenya, the Ministry of Sports, Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy, athletes and other stakeholders who supported the campaign.

Ruto linked the hosting award to wider government investment in sports facilities, saying 32 stadiums are currently under construction across Kenya. He said the projects are intended to strengthen the country’s ability to host international competitions and provide better facilities for athletes. The article also notes that Nairobi has previously hosted global age-group athletics events, which may have helped support the bid.

Beyond the immediate sporting significance, the championship is expected to draw visitors, officials and athletes to Kenya and could benefit tourism, hospitality, transport and related sectors. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said the recent host selections would take the championships across Africa, Asia and Europe over the next three editions.