Kenya Hosts World Athletics Inspection Team

Kenya’s preparations to host the first World Athletics Championships on African soil are gathering momentum, with infrastructure development emerging as one of the key priorities ahead of the 22nd edition of the global championships in September 2029.

This week, a World Athletics delegation led by World Athletics Director of Competition Management Pierce O’Callaghan arrived in Nairobi to begin the inspection process and provide guidance on critical infrastructure and operational requirements ahead of the championships.

The visit marks an important step in Kenya’s preparations as the country works to ensure that its facilities, logistics and operational systems meet the standards required to host one of the world’s biggest athletics events.

The championships are also expected to provide a significant boost to Kenya’s economy, with thousands of athletes, officials, coaches, journalists and spectators expected to converge in Nairobi. The influx will create demand for accommodation, transport, hospitality, tourism and other services well beyond the competition venues.

Kenya was selected to host the championships after overcoming competition from Rome, Italy, and London, United Kingdom, with the decision announced by the World Athletics Council in Budapest last month.

During the inspection visit, the World Athletics team toured the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Ulinzi Sports Complex and Nyayo National Stadium. The delegation also made a brief visit to the Talanta Sports City, which could potentially serve as an additional training facility for athletes during the championships.

Kenya’s Principal Secretary for the State Department for Sports, Elijah Mwangi, led the Kenyan delegation during a series of meetings with the World Athletics team.

Mwangi said the discussions focused on ensuring that Kenya remains on course to deliver a successful championships in 2029.

“I had the privilege of hosting Mr. Pierce O’Callaghan, World Athletics Director of Competition Management, for high-level consultative engagements as preparations gather momentum for Nairobi 2029.”

He added that the discussions focused on several critical areas that will underpin the successful delivery of the championships.

“Our discussions focused on the critical pillars that will underpin the successful delivery of the Championships, including venue readiness at the Moi International Sports Centre, Nyayo National Stadium and Ulinzi Sports Complex; competition and operational logistics; compliance with World Athletics requirements; and the coordination and participation of key stakeholders.”

The meeting was also attended by Athletics Kenya First Vice President Barnabas Korir, Sports Kenya Director General Timothy Kilimo, Secretary Administration for Sports Josephine Ouko, and senior officials from the State Department for Sports.

With three years remaining before the championships, the inspection provides an early opportunity for Kenya to assess its facilities, identify infrastructure gaps and align preparations with World Athletics requirements.