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Kenya intensifies push to host World Athletics Championships
26th May, 2026 05:10 PM
Kenya has intensified its push to host the World Athletics Championships after the government reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a successful global event should the country secure hosting rights for either the 2029 or 2031 edition.
Speaking after hosting a high-level delegation from World Athletics in Nairobi on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi said the country is fully prepared to stage one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
The delegation was led by Antti Pihlakoski, a World Athletics Council Member and Chair of the Bid Evaluation Panel. They held strategic discussions with Kenyan officials on the country’s bid to host the prestigious championships in Nairobi.
Mwangi noted that the engagements focused on evaluating Kenya’s operational, financial, and infrastructural preparedness to host the global athletics showpiece.
Kenya reaffirms WC readiness
“Kenya is ready to host the World Athletics Championships,” said Mwangi.
According to the PS, the discussions offered Kenya an opportunity to demonstrate its growing ability to organise world-class sporting events while showcasing the country’s readiness to meet international standards.
Despite acknowledging stiff competition from other bidders, Mwangi reiterated the Government’s full backing of the bid process and its determination to ensure Kenya successfully hosts the championships if selected.
He emphasised that Kenya’s rich athletics history, coupled with recent investments in sports development, places the country in a strong position to stage the event.
“As a globally celebrated home of champions, Kenya’s bid reflects not only our rich athletics heritage but also our remarkable progress in building the capacity to host international sporting events of great magnitude,” he stated.
Mwangi further highlighted the government’s continued investment in modern sports infrastructure, transport systems, and the hospitality industry as key pillars supporting the bid.
He also underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) to uphold clean sport and align with international best practices.
Major international events
Kenya has in recent years hosted several major international events, including the African Nations Championship, Magical Kenya Open, Safari Rally Kenya, the World Taekwondo Cadet Championships, and the FIFA Women’s Series, which Mwangi said demonstrate the country’s growing reputation as a reliable host of major sporting competitions.
The visiting World Athletics delegation also comprised Competition and Events Director Marton Gyulai, Head of Bidding Mark Hurst, Compliance and Risk Officer Niels Lindholm, and Nigel Swinscoe.
The meeting further brought together Kenyan sports administrators, including ADAK Chair Aphaxard Muthuri Kiugu and Sports Secretary Administration Evans Achoki, alongside officials from Athletics Kenya and the State Department for Sports.
