Gov’t pledges early preps for 2029 World Championships

The government has pledged to begin preparations in earnest for the 2029 Nairobi World Athletics Championships, that will be held on the African continent for the first time.

Speaking on Thursday after hosting World Athletics Head of Competition Management Pierce O’Callaghan, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi affirmed that Kenya possesses the capacity and resources necessary to host a global sporting spectacle of this magnitude.

Mwangi stated that the country stands ready for the historic occasion, assuring World Athletics officials of full government backing to guarantee its success.

The PS added that the government will collaborate closely with the World Athletics team to ensure all designated facilities fully comply with the top-tier standards required for the competition.

“As a country, we are very proud and honoured to have won the bid. We have the resources and capacity to deliver a world-class event in Nairobi. We will work closely with world Athletics to ensure we comply fully with infrastructural as well as other requirements towards this event,” said Mwangi.

O’Callaghan expressed confidence in Nairobi’s ability to deliver a memorable championship.

He noted that the ten-day championship will feature over 210 participating countries, voicing optimism that the event will leave a lasting socio-economic footprint on the capital.

“We want every man, woman and child to be and feel part of this historic event whether it’s through being volunteers or participating by purchasing tickets to the event,” said O’Callaghan.

He added that local residents will have a front-row seat to the action during the marathon, which will be staged directly on the streets of Nairobi.

Furthermore, O’Callaghan pledged technical support from World Athletics to assist Kenya in bringing its sporting infrastructure up to international championship standards.

The delegation meeting was also attended by senior Athletics Kenya officials led by Barnabas Korir alongside Sports Kenya Director General Timothy Kilimo and representatives from the State Department for Sports.