World Athletics Championships 2029: Kenya bids to host event in first for Africa

Kenya has submitted an official bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships as it seeks to become the first African nation to stage the sport’s flagship event.

Nairobi faces rival bids from London, Rome and Munich, with a decision by World Athletics expected next month.

Athletics Kenya said its “robust” bid is backed by the country’s government and presents a “compelling case” to bring the championships to the continent.

“The government has committed its full support to the bid, ensuring the necessary organisational framework, security measures and modern infrastructure required to host a world-class global showpiece,” a statement added.

BBC Sport Africa understands that Kasarani Stadium, which has a capacity of 48,000, would be the intended venue.

Kenya has a long and decorated history in athletics, especially middle- and long-distance running, and boasts 72 World Championship and 38 Olympic gold medals.

Seventeen current world records are held by Kenyans across track and road events, including both men’s and women’s marathons.

The Kenyan team finished second in the overall medal table at last year’s World Championships in Tokyo, with seven golds among their 11 podium finishes.

Kenya has previously hosted the 2007 World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa, the World Under-18 Championships in Nairobi in 2017 and the World U20 Championships in the capital in 2021.

Nairobi also staged the 2010 African Athletics Championships at Nyayo National Stadium.

Kenya failed with a bid for the 2025 World Championships, but winning the rights to stage the 2029 edition would be another big step for the East African country on the international sporting scene.

It is set to co-host next year’s Africa Cup of Nations football tournament alongside neighbours Tanzania and Uganda.

In May, Botswana became the first African nation to host the World Athletics Relays when they took place in Gaborone.