Nairobi to Host 2029 World Athletics Championships, Marking a Historic First for Africa
The World Athletics Federation has announced that Nairobi, Kenya, will host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, making it the first African city to ever stage the event.
Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, has been selected to host the World Athletics Championships in 2029, a landmark decision that will see an African city stage the prestigious event for the first time. The Kenyan bid successfully beat out competition from prominent cities including London, Munich, and Rome.
Highlights
- Nairobi, Kenya will host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
- It marks the first time an African city will host the global event.
- Nairobi's bid triumphed over those from London, Munich, and Rome.
- World Athletics President Sebastian Coe described the decision as "historic."
- The move aims to accelerate the development of the sport across the African continent.
Details
The decision to award the 2029 championships to Nairobi was made by the World Athletics Council during a meeting in Budapest. The council also announced that Munich, Germany, would host the 2031 World Athletics Championships. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, noting that there were four outstanding bids for both 2029 and 2031.
Coe stated, "This council decision today means we’re able to deliver our World Athletics Championships in Asia, Africa, and Europe over its next three editions." He praised Nairobi's bid as "compelling and emotional," emphasizing the importance of bringing the world championship to Africa when the conditions were right. Kenya has a history of hosting major athletic events, including the 2007 World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa, and the World Under-18 and Under-20 Championships in Nairobi in 2017 and 2021, respectively.
Why it matters
This groundbreaking decision is crucial for expanding the global reach of athletics and fostering sports development across the African continent. Nairobi's role as host is expected to inspire young athletes throughout Africa and contribute to strengthening the region's athletics infrastructure. Furthermore, the renovated Kasarani Stadium, which is currently being prepared to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), is anticipated to play a significant role in the championship's success.