The International Association of Athletics Federations (World Athletics) has announced that the 2029 edition of its flagship World Athletics Championships will be staged in Nairobi, Kenya, marking the first time the premier global track‑and‑field tournament will take place on African soil. The decision means that London, which had also submitted a strong bid, will not be the host city for that year.
Kenya is already renowned worldwide for its dominance in distance running, producing legends such as Eliud Kipchoge, Faith Kipyegon and David Rudisha. Yet, despite its storied history in the sport, the country has never before organized an event of this magnitude. The upcoming championships will therefore be a historic milestone for the nation and for the continent, showcasing Africa’s growing capacity to deliver world‑class sporting spectacles.
The next edition after Nairobi is slated for Munich, Germany, in 2031, ensuring that the event will rotate among different continents. World Athletics president Sebastian Coe explained the selection process, noting that four compelling proposals were received for the 2029 and 2031 championships.
“We were fortunate to have four outstanding bids for 2029 and 2031, and this was not an easy decision for the council,” Coe said after the Ultimate Championship in Hungary. He added that the quality, ambition and commitment displayed by all the candidates highlighted the global appeal and enduring strength of the World Athletics Championships.
Jack Buckner, chief executive officer of UK Athletics and co‑founder of the sports‑promotion firm Athletic Ventures, expressed disappointment on behalf of the British side. “We are deeply disappointed that the 2029 World Athletics Championships will not be held in London. We believed we had an outstanding bid which would genuinely take the sport to new levels,” Buckner said.
He thanked 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 support and hard work throughout the bidding process. “The UK is an incredible host for major sports events and the British public loves athletics. Athletic Ventures has the ambition to bring those events here and, although today’s announcement hasn’t gone our way, we will review and regroup.
We know the world’s athletes love competing here and we’ll continue to explore further opportunities to make that happen,” he added. Buckner concluded by extending congratulations to Nairobi and wishing the organizing committee success in delivering a memorable championship in 2029. Coe underscored the significance of the decision for the continent, stating, “Taking our championships to Africa for the first time will be historic. Athletics is woven into the fabric of Kenya.” He highlighted Kenya’s deep‑rooted connection to the sport, referencing a lineage of world‑class athletes: “Kenya is one of the great athletics nations.
The sport is woven into the fabric of the country, and athletes such as world gold medallists Faith Kipyegon, Vivian Cheruiyot, Eliud Kipchoge, Hellen Obiri and David Rudisha, as well as two‑time Olympic champion Kip Keino, multiple world cross‑country champion Paul Tergat and multiple world half‑marathon champion Tegla Loroupe, have shaped the history of our sport.” The announcement also signals a return to the traditional championship format after the experimental “Ultimate Championship” held in Budapest, which featured a limited, invitation‑only field and awarded cash prizes rather than medals. The next edition in Beijing will revert to the classic ten‑day schedule that includes the full suite of events—sprints, middle‑distance races, hurdles, relays, jumps, throws, race walks and the marathon. Those disciplines, absent from the Budapest program, will once again be contested, giving athletes from around the world a comprehensive platform to compete for world titles.
Nairobi’s selection is being hailed as a watershed moment for African athletics. It not only provides a platform for African athletes to perform before a home crowd but also promises to stimulate investment in infrastructure, coaching and youth development across the continent.
The city will need to upgrade stadium facilities, transport networks and hospitality services to meet the exacting standards of a World Athletics event. However, the Kenyan government and private sector have already signaled strong commitment, viewing the championships as an opportunity to boost tourism, showcase Kenya’s cultural heritage and inspire a new generation of runners.
In addition to the sporting impact, the 2029 championships are expected to generate significant economic benefits. Large‑scale events typically attract tens of thousands of visitors, including athletes, support staff, media personnel and fans. This influx can stimulate local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to transportation providers and vendors. Moreover, the global media exposure can enhance Nairobi’s international profile, positioning it as a viable destination for future conferences, concerts and sporting contests.
Critics, however, caution that hosting such a massive event also brings challenges. Concerns about security, crowd management, and the environmental footprint of construction projects have been raised. Organizers have pledged to adopt sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy sources, minimizing waste and promoting public transport to mitigate these issues. Looking ahead, the athletics community anticipates that Nairobi will deliver a vibrant, culturally rich championship that reflects the passion Kenya has for the sport.
The city’s enthusiastic fan base, combined with the legacy of legendary Kenyan runners, promises an electric atmosphere that could inspire record‑breaking performances. As preparations continue, athletes worldwide will be watching closely, eager to compete on a stage that celebrates both the global nature of athletics and the unique spirit of Africa.
In summary, the decision to award the 2029 World Athletics Championships to Nairobi marks a historic first for Africa, while London’s bid, though strong, fell short this time. The upcoming event will not only showcase elite competition across a full range of track and field disciplines but also serve as a catalyst for sporting development, economic growth and cultural exchange on the Kenyan capital. The world now looks forward to seeing how Nairobi rises to the occasion and what lasting legacy the championships will leave for the continent.