World Athletics has selected Nairobi as the host for the 2029 World Athletics Championships, marking the first time the event will be held in an African city.

Nairobi has been chosen to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, a decision confirmed by the World Athletics council in Budapest. This selection makes Nairobi the first African city to stage the global event. The council also announced that Munich will host the 2031 World Athletics Championships, following a selection process that included four competing bids.

Selection Process and Bids

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe described the selection process as difficult, noting that all four bids for the 2029 and 2031 championships were outstanding. In addition to Nairobi and Munich, London and Rome also submitted bids. London’s proposal centered on using the London Stadium, which previously hosted the 2012 Olympic Games and the 2017 World Athletics Championships.

Significance for Kenya

Coe highlighted Kenya’s deep history in athletics, citing the influence of prominent athletes such as Faith Kipyegon, Eliud Kipchoge, and Kip Keino. He described Nairobi as a dynamic, modern metropolis and the economic and cultural hub of East Africa. The council concluded that Nairobi demonstrated the right circumstances to host the championships, fulfilling the organization's mission to expand the event across different continents.

Munich's 2031 Hosting

Munich was awarded the 2031 championships after presenting a proposal that the evaluation panel found to be exceptionally strong. The event will take place at the city's Olympic stadium, marking the third time the German city has hosted the championships.