The 2029 edition of the World Athletics Championships will make history by moving to Africa for the first time, as Kenya’s capital Nairobi has been selected as the host city. London, which had also put forward a strong proposal, was passed over in the final decision.
This marks a significant milestone for the sport, highlighting both the global reach of athletics and Kenya’s deep-rooted connection to distance running. Kenya has long been recognized as a powerhouse in long‑distance events, producing legends such as Eliud Kipchoge, Faith Kipyegon and David Rudisha. Yet, despite its athletes’ dominance on the track, the country has never before staged an event of this magnitude.
The upcoming championships will therefore serve as a showcase not only for elite competition but also for Kenya’s capacity to organize a world‑class sporting spectacle. After Nairobi’s turn, the championships will move back to Europe, with Munich slated to host the 2031 edition. World Athletics president Sebastian Coe announced the outcome after the recent Ultimate Championship held in Hungary.
He noted, “We received four outstanding bids for the 2029 and 2031 championships, and the council faced a very difficult choice.” Coe praised the ambition and quality demonstrated by each contender, emphasizing that the variety of proposals reflected the growing appeal and worldwide relevance of the championships. Jack Buckner, chief executive of UK Athletics and a co‑founder of Athletic Ventures, expressed disappointment on behalf of the British bid team.
“We are deeply disappointed that the 2029 World Athletics Championships will not be staged in London,” Buckner said. “We believed our proposal would elevate the sport to new heights.” He went on to thank the UK government, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Mayor of London, UK Sport, the London Stadium, West Ham United and numerous other stakeholders for their unwavering support and hard work in assembling the bid.
Buckner affirmed that the United Kingdom remains a premier destination for major sporting events and that British fans continue to embrace athletics passionately. He added that Athletic Ventures will regroup, review its strategy and continue to pursue future opportunities to bring world‑class competitions to the UK. Congratulating Nairobi, Buckner said, “We wish the organising committee every success and look forward to a memorable event in 2029.” The selection of Nairobi is being hailed as a watershed moment for athletics, symbolising the sport’s expansion beyond its traditional strongholds. Coe highlighted the cultural significance, stating, “Taking the championships to Africa for the first time is historic.
Athletics is woven into the fabric of Kenya.” He further underscored Kenya’s rich heritage by naming a roster of home‑grown champions: Faith Kipyegon, Vivian Cheruiyot, Eliud Kipchoge, Hellen Obiri, David Rudisha, the late Kip Keino, Paul Tergat and Tegla Loroupe. Their achievements have shaped the narrative of middle‑ and long‑distance running and have inspired generations of athletes worldwide. The decision arrives on the heels of the recent Ultimate Championship, an experimental format that offered substantial cash prizes instead of medals and featured an invitation‑only field of the sport’s biggest names.
While that event was condensed into a three‑day schedule, the traditional World Championships will revert to the classic ten‑day format in Beijing next year, encompassing the full range of disciplines—from sprints and hurdles to field events such as the men’s triple jump, shot put, race walks and the marathon, all of which were absent from the Budapest program. Hosting the championships will present Nairobi with both opportunities and challenges. Organisers will need to ensure world‑class facilities, athlete accommodation, transportation logistics and broadcast capabilities meet the stringent standards set by World Athletics.
The city plans to leverage existing infrastructure, including the newly built Kasarani Stadium, while also investing in upgrades to training venues, medical services and fan amenities. Local authorities are working closely with the Kenyan government and private partners to secure sponsorships, promote tourism and create a legacy of sports development that will benefit Kenyan youth for years to come. Economically, the event is expected to generate a substantial boost for Nairobi’s hospitality sector, with thousands of visitors—athletes, officials, media personnel and spectators—projected to arrive in the months leading up to and during the championships.
Hotels, restaurants, and transport providers anticipate heightened demand, while the global media spotlight will showcase Kenya’s culture, landscapes and hospitality on an unprecedented scale. From a sporting perspective, the 2029 championships will offer African athletes the rare advantage of competing on home soil, potentially inspiring stronger performances and greater participation across the continent. Historically, African nations have excelled in distance events, but the presence of a world‑class meet in Nairobi could encourage broader development in sprints, throws and jumps, diversifying the continent’s athletic portfolio. Looking ahead, Coe affirmed that the timing of the decision was crucial.
“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. Nairobi has demonstrated emphatically that this is their moment.” His remarks underscore a strategic vision for athletics that embraces inclusivity, geographic diversity and the celebration of the sport’s universal appeal. In summary, Nairobi’s appointment as the host city for the 2029 World Athletics Championships marks a historic first for Africa, reflecting both the continent’s deep connection to the sport and the global governing body’s commitment to expanding athletics’ reach. While London’s bid fell short, the UK remains a key player in the athletics world and will continue to seek opportunities to stage major events.
Meanwhile, Nairobi prepares to welcome the world’s top athletes, promising a vibrant, culturally rich and competitively fierce championship that could redefine the future trajectory of track and field on the African continent.