Nairobi has what it takes to win 2029 World Championships bid, Korir

Athletics Kenya (AK) says Nairobi's chances of hosting the 2029 World Athletics Championships have improved significantly, with strong government backing and ongoing investment in sports infrastructure strengthening the city's bid.

Athletics Kenya Nairobi Branch Chairman, Barnaba Korir, says the condition of Kasarani Stadium was a major setback in Kenya's previous bid in 2025, but believes the situation has changed with ongoing improvements at Kasarani and the development of Talanta Sports City.

Korir also views the President William Ruto and the government's formal backing and commitment as a major boost, noting that hosting a championship of such magnitude requires significant investment in infrastructure, security, transport and accommodation.

Kenya's experience hosting major international competitions could also work in its favour, having staged the 2007 World Cross Country Championships, 2017 World Under-18 Championships and 2021 World Under-20 Championships.

Beyond hosting the global championship, Korir said Athletics Kenya is also focused on developing the next generation of athletes through talent identification camps and a database tracking athletes from school level through to the senior ranks.

“We have developed a system or database in Athletics Kenya that we capture every individual athlete and follow them all the way to senior ranks,” he said.

Korir said the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and 2032 Games are key milestones for the current crop of young athletes being developed through the system.

On athlete welfare, Korir welcomed the government's increased medal rewards but said athletes also require long-term support. He added that Athletics Kenya is working on a medical insurance programme, with Ksh.20 million pledged by the government as start-up funding.

World Athletics is scheduled to announce the winning host city in September 2026 following evaluations and meetings in Budapest, Hungary.

Kenya is hoping its improved infrastructure, athletics pedigree and government backing will give Nairobi an edge over its European rivals, London, Rome and Munich.