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Kenya steps up bid to host historic 2029 World Athletics Championships
27th May, 2026 05:42 PM
Kenya has intensified its push to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships after Sports Kenya welcomed a World Athletics inspection delegation for a crucial site assessment tour of Nairobi’s major sporting venues.
The delegation on Thursday, May 27, 2026, visited the Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani as part of the country’s campaign to secure hosting rights for the prestigious global athletics event.
Venue inspection
During the inspection exercise, officials assessed the condition of athletics tracks, seating areas, athlete facilities, and supporting infrastructure at the two stadiums. Technical teams from Kenya also presented detailed reports outlining the country’s level of preparedness, proposed upgrades, and overall hosting capability ahead of the planned bid.
Sports Kenya noted that the visit formed a key milestone in Kenya’s ambition to bring the World Athletics Championships to Africa for the very first time in history. “Kenya’s bid reflects the nation’s strong athletics heritage and ambition to bring the World Athletics Championships to African soil for the very first time.” Sports Kenya said in a statement.
The inspection delegation was also taken through planned modernization projects aimed at ensuring the facilities meet international competition standards required by World Athletics.
Kenya’s bid has largely been inspired by the country’s rich athletics legacy that has seen generations of elite runners dominate world competitions, Olympic Games, and major marathons across the globe.
Over the years, Kenya has produced some of the most celebrated athletes in track and field history, cementing the nation’s reputation as a global athletics powerhouse. The country has also successfully hosted continental and international sporting events, strengthening confidence in its ability to organize a championship of such magnitude.
If successful, Kenya would become the first African nation ever to host the World Athletics Championships, a move expected to mark a historic breakthrough for athletics development across the continent.
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.
“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.
