Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Nairobi to Host Africa’s First World Athletics Championships in 2029
Nairobi, Kenya, will host the World Athletics Championships in 2029.
It will be the first time the championships are held in an African city.
World Athletics announced the decision after a meeting in Budapest.
Munich, Germany, will host the event in 2031.
Nairobi’s competitions will take place at Kasarani Stadium.
The stadium is being renovated ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Kenya is famous for producing strong athletics competitors, especially distance runners.
Sebastian Coe said athletics is deeply connected to Kenyan life.
The event could also bring more attention to Kenya’s record of athlete doping suspensions.
Nairobi will become the first African city to host the World Athletics Championships in 2029.
World Athletics announced Nairobi’s selection after a council meeting in Budapest.
Munich, Germany, will host the 2031 championships at the Olympic Stadium.
Events in Nairobi will be held at Kasarani Stadium, which is undergoing renovations.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe praised Kenya’s athletics tradition and Nairobi’s bid.
- Who
- World Athletics selected Nairobi, with President Sebastian Coe and Kenyan sports minister Salim Mvurya welcoming the decision.
- What
- Nairobi was chosen to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, while Munich received the 2031 edition.
- When
- The decision was announced on Tuesday; both championships are scheduled for September.
- Where
- The announcement followed a World Athletics council meeting in Budapest, and Nairobi’s events will be held at Kasarani Stadium.
- Why
- World Athletics cited Nairobi’s compelling bid, Kenya’s athletics tradition, passionate fans and existing sports infrastructure.
Historic opportunity
Potential concerns
Impact of hosting
Historic opportunity
Supporters say the championships will give Africa and Kenya a major stage and recognize Kenya’s strong athletics culture and passionate fans.
Potential concerns
The event may bring greater scrutiny to Kenya’s doping record, including suspensions involving several prominent athletes.
- 2029 host
- Nairobi, Kenya
- Historical significance
- First African city to host the World Athletics Championships
- 2031 host
- Munich, Germany
- Nairobi venue
- Kasarani Stadium
- Announcement location
- Budapest
- Scheduled month
- September
- Previous Nairobi events
- World U18 Championships in 2017 and World U20 Championships in 2021
- Competing bids
- London and Rome
