Nairobi has officially submitted its formal application to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, launching a historic bid to bring the sport’s flagship global event to African soil for the first time.
Announced by Athletics Kenya and fully backed by the Kenyan national government, the bid aims to cement Kenya’s reputation as a global athletics powerhouse. If successful, Nairobi will make history as the first African city to stage the senior World Athletics Championships.
The bid centers on the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani as the primary competition venue. The Kenyan government has pledged comprehensive support to guarantee the necessary modern infrastructure, security arrangements, and organizational framework required to deliver a world-class event.
“The submission places the Kenyan capital firmly in the running for the global selection process,” noted organizers, highlighting the move as a strong, historic push for the African continent.
Kenya’s proposal heavily leverages its proven experience in hosting major international athletics competitions. The East African nation’s hosting resume includes:
The 2007 World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa
The 2010 African Athletics Championships at Nyayo National Stadium
The 2017 World Athletics Under-18 Championships in Nairobi
The 2021 World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Nairobi
Additionally, Kenya successfully stages annual World Athletics Gold Label events, including the Kip Keino Classic track and field meeting in Nairobi and the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Championships in Uasin Gishu County.
Nairobi faces formidable competition in the bidding process. The Kenyan capital is going head-to-head against three major European cities for the 2029 hosting rights: London, Rome, and Munich.
World Athletics is expected to announce the winning host cities for both the 2029 and 2031 championships in September 2026, following the conclusion of the Ultimate Championships in Budapest, Hungary next month.
