The International Association of Athletics Federations, now known as World Athletics, has announced that the 2029 edition of its flagship competition will be staged in Nairobi, Kenya, marking the first time the World Athletics Championships will be held on African soil. The decision means that London, which had also submitted a strong proposal, will not be the host city for that year.
Kenya has long been celebrated as a powerhouse in distance running, producing legendary figures such as Eliud Kipchoge, Faith Kipyegon and David Rudisha. Despite this storied heritage, the country has never before organized an event of the magnitude and global reach that the World Championships represent.
The upcoming Nairobi Games will therefore be a historic milestone, not only for Kenya but for the entire continent, showcasing Africa’s capacity to stage world‑class sporting spectacles. The next edition after 2029 will move to Europe, with Munich, Germany slated to host the 2031 Championships. This rotation underscores World Athletics’ strategy of spreading major events across different regions to stimulate growth and fan engagement worldwide. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe addressed the media following the decision, which was made after the conclusion of the Ultimate Championship in Hungary.
Coe explained, "We received four exceptional bids for the 2029 and 2031 cycles, and reaching a final verdict was far from straightforward. The council had to weigh a range of factors, from infrastructure to legacy potential.
The quality, ambition and commitment displayed by all four candidates highlight the enduring strength and universal appeal of the Championships." In London, the disappointment was palpable. Jack Buckner, chief executive of UK Athletics and co‑founder of the sports‑promotion firm Athletic Ventures, issued a statement expressing the nation’s regret.
"We are deeply disappointed that the 2029 World Athletics Championships will not be held in London. Our bid was built on a vision to elevate the sport to new heights, and we believed it was outstanding," Buckner said.
He went on to thank a host of supporters, including the UK government, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Mayor of London, UK Sport, the London Stadium, West Ham United and countless other stakeholders who contributed time and resources to the bid. Buckner emphasized that the United Kingdom remains a premier destination for major sporting events and that British fans have a genuine passion for athletics. "Athletic Ventures remains committed to bringing world‑class competitions to the UK.
Although today's announcement did not go our way, we will regroup, reassess our strategy and continue to explore future opportunities," he added. He concluded by congratulating Nairobi and wishing the Kenyan organizing committee success in delivering a memorable tournament.
Nairobi’s selection is being hailed as a watershed moment for the sport. Coe remarked, "Taking the Championships to Africa for the first time is historic. Athletics is woven into the fabric of Kenya, and the continent’s athletes have long been central to the sport’s narrative." He listed a litany of Kenyan greats—Faith Kipyegon, Vivian Cheruiyot, Eliud Kipchoge, Hellen Obiri, David Rudisha, the late Kip Keino, Paul Tergat and Tegla Loroupe—underscoring how deeply the nation is intertwined with the global athletics story. The upcoming Championships will revert to the traditional ten‑day format that has defined the event for decades, after the experimental Ultimate Championship in Budapest featured a condensed three‑day schedule and prize money in lieu of medals for an invitation‑only field of elite athletes.
The full program in Nairobi will re‑introduce the complete suite of track and field disciplines, including events that were omitted from the Budapest showcase, such as the men’s triple jump, the shot put, race walking, and the marathon. Beyond the competition itself, hosting the Championships presents Nairobi with a unique platform to accelerate infrastructure development, boost tourism, and inspire a new generation of African athletes. The city will likely invest in stadium upgrades, athlete villages, transportation networks and broadcasting facilities, all of which can leave a lasting legacy for the local community.
Moreover, the global media exposure will shine a spotlight on Kenya’s vibrant culture, its scenic landscapes and its burgeoning sports industry. Economically, the influx of athletes, coaches, officials, media personnel and spectators is expected to generate significant revenue for hotels, restaurants, and local businesses.
The event also offers opportunities for Kenyan entrepreneurs to showcase indigenous products and services on an international stage, potentially opening doors for future trade and investment. From a sporting perspective, the Championships in Nairobi could provide a home‑field advantage for Kenyan distance runners, who will compete in familiar altitude and climate conditions. This factor may influence race strategies and could lead to remarkable performances, especially in the marathon, 5,000‑metre and 10,000‑metre events, where Kenyan athletes have traditionally excelled.
The decision also reflects World Athletics’ broader commitment to diversity and inclusion. By allocating a premier event to a region that has historically been under‑represented in hosting duties, the governing body signals its intention to democratize the sport’s global footprint. This move may encourage other African nations to pursue bids for future world‑level competitions, fostering a more balanced distribution of sporting opportunities across continents.
In summary, Nairobi’s appointment as the host city for the 2029 World Athletics Championships marks a historic first for Africa, celebrates Kenya’s deep-rooted connection to the sport, and promises a host of economic, cultural and athletic benefits. While London’s bid fell short, the United Kingdom remains a key player in the athletics world and will likely continue to vie for future hosting rights. As the countdown to 2029 begins, athletes, fans and officials worldwide can look forward to a landmark event that bridges continents, showcases elite performance, and leaves a lasting imprint on the sport’s history.