The International Association of Athletics Federations, known as World Athletics, has announced that the 2029 edition of its flagship World Championships will be staged in Nairobi, Kenya, marking the first time the competition will take place on African soil. The decision means that London, which had also put forward a strong proposal, will not be the host city for that year. Kenya has long been celebrated as a powerhouse in distance running, producing legends such as Eliud Kipchoge, Faith Kipyegon and David Rudisha. Yet despite its storied history and deep cultural connection to the sport, the nation has never before hosted an event of this magnitude.
The upcoming championships will therefore be a historic milestone for the country and for the continent as a whole. After Nairobi, the next edition will move to Munich, Germany, in 2031, continuing the tradition of rotating the event among different regions. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe addressed the media after the conclusion of the Ultimate Championship in Hungary, explaining the selection process.
"We received four exceptional bids for the 2029 and 2031 editions, and the council faced a very tough choice," Coe said. He added that the quality, ambition and dedication shown by every applicant highlighted the global reach and enduring appeal of the World Athletics Championships. In London, the reaction was one of disappointment mixed with gratitude. Jack Buckner, chief executive of UK Athletics and co‑founder of Athletic Ventures, issued a statement expressing his sorrow that the capital would not host the 2029 meet.
"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 remarked. He went on to thank the British government, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Mayor of London, UK Sport, the London Stadium, West Ham United and a host of other stakeholders for their unwavering support throughout the bidding process.
Buckner also emphasized the United Kingdom’s reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events and the enthusiasm of the British public for 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 said.
He concluded by congratulating Nairobi and wishing the organizing committee success in delivering a memorable championship in 2029. The selection of Nairobi is being hailed as a watershed moment for the sport. Coe underscored the symbolic importance of moving the championships to Africa for the first time.
"Taking our championships to Africa for the first time will be historic," he declared. "Athletics is woven into the fabric of Kenya." He pointed out that Kenya’s athletic heritage includes a litany of world‑class performers: Olympic and world champions such as Faith Kipyegon, Vivian Cheruiyot, Eliud Kipchoge, Hellen Obiri, David Rudisha, the late Kip Keino, Paul Tergat and Tegla Loroupe. Their achievements have helped shape the global narrative of track and field, and Coe suggested that hosting the event on Kenyan soil will further cement that legacy.
The upcoming 2029 championships will follow the traditional format of a ten‑day, multi‑discipline competition, unlike the recent Ultimate Championship, which was a three‑day, invitation‑only showcase that awarded cash prizes instead of medals. The full World Championships program includes a wide array of events—sprints, middle‑distance races, hurdles, relays, jumps, throws, race walks and the marathon—ensuring that athletes from every specialty have the chance to compete for glory.
This comprehensive schedule will return in 2029 after a brief interlude in Beijing, where the next conventional edition will be staged. Beyond the sporting spectacle, Nairobi’s bid was praised for its logistical readiness and its potential to inspire a new generation of African athletes.
The city’s existing infrastructure, combined with Kenya’s deep enthusiasm for running, promises a vibrant atmosphere for both competitors and spectators. Organizers anticipate that the event will boost tourism, create jobs and stimulate investment in sports facilities across the region. Moreover, the global media exposure is expected to highlight Kenya’s cultural richness and its commitment to fostering athletic excellence.
While the United Kingdom will regroup and possibly submit future bids, the decision underscores a broader shift in World Athletics’ strategy: to diversify host locations and bring marquee events to emerging markets. By awarding Nairobi the 2029 championships, the governing body signals its intention to celebrate the sport’s universal appeal and to recognize the contributions of nations that have traditionally been the source of its greatest champions.
In summary, Nairobi’s appointment as the host city for the 2029 World Athletics Championships represents a historic first for Africa, a testament to Kenya’s deep‑rooted running culture, and a catalyst for further development of athletics across the continent. London’s bid, though strong, fell short this time, but the disappointment expressed by UK officials reflects a continued commitment to pursuing future opportunities. As preparations begin, athletes, fans and officials alike look forward to a landmark edition that will blend world‑class competition with the unique spirit of Kenya’s capital.