Kenya confident of earning the hosting rights of World Athletics Championships

Kenya is confident of securing the rights to host the World Athletics Championships in 2029 or 2031, with the host expected to be announced in September this year.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya says Kenya’s bid committee has submitted a strong document, noting that the success of the Nairobi Marathon and the government's commitment to improving sports infrastructure in the country were key to Kenya's bid to host the  championship.

"Happily, this time we are still going on with compliance issues and we hosted the World Athletics delegation last month. We are on schedule to ensure the bid meets all required compliance, which is very important," said Mvurya.

Kenya’s bid comes at a time when the country is significantly expanding investment in sports facilities, hospitality infrastructure and transport systems.

The government has also intensified efforts to strengthen the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya in a move aimed at reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to clean sport and international best practices.

Former Kenyan National Olympic Committee President Paul Tergat also weighed in, saying Kenya's success in international athletics adds weight to Kenya's bid.

“For us, what we are doing is very important. Remember, as Africans we have never hosted the World Athletics Championship, so Kenya coming forward to bid for it, is something dear to us and by 2029, we might get this opportunity to host the World Championship in Nairobi,” said Tergat.

Nairobi city is bidding to host the world championship along with London and Addis Ababa.