Nairobi formally bids to host 2029 World Athletics Championships

Nairobi has formally submitted its form application to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, putting the Kenyan capital in contention to stage the global showpiece on African soil for the first time.

The bid, announced by Athletics Kenya and backed by the Kenyan government, seeks to showcase the country’s long-standing athletics tradition and its experience hosting major international competitions.

If successful, Nairobi would make history as the first African city to host the senior World Athletics Championships.

Kenya has previously hosted several major World Athletics events, including the 2007 World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa, the 2017 World Athletics Under-18 Championships and the 2021 World Athletics Under-20 Championships, both in Nairobi.

Nairobi also hosted the 2010 African Athletics Championships at Nyayo National Stadium and continues to stage international events such as the Kip Keino Classic and the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Championships.

The Kenyan government has pledged full support for the bid, including the organizational framework, security arrangements and infrastructure required to deliver a world-class championship.

Nairobi faces competition from London, Rome and Munich for the 2029 edition.

The host cities for the 2029 and 2031 World Athletics Championships are expected to be announced by World Athletics after the Ultimate Championships in Budapest, Hungary, next month.

A successful Nairobi bid would mark a major milestone for Kenya and Africa, while further cementing the country's reputation as one of the world's leading athletics nations.