The bid represents not just a sporting milestone but also a cultural and economic one, signaling Africa’s readiness to host global mega-events of this magnitude.
Kenya has officially declared its ambition to bring the world’s biggest athletics spectacle to African soil for the very first time. The country has submitted its formal bid to host the World Athletics Championships in 2029 and 2031 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, in Nairobi.
If successful, Kenya would become the first African nation to stage the World Athletics Championships since the event’s inception in 1983. For decades, the championships have been hosted across Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia, but never on African soil, despite the continent’s reputation as home to some of the greatest long-distance runners in history.
The bid represents not just a sporting milestone but also a cultural and economic one, signaling Africa’s readiness to host global mega-events of this magnitude.
The recent hosting of the Africa Nations Championships in Nairobi delivered one of the finest fan experiences and record attendances in the tournament’s history. Coupled with the renewed wave of sports revival in the country—marked by the refurbishment of stadiums to international standards—Kenya is steadily positioning itself as a strong contender and credible host for major global sporting events.
Confirming the landmark step, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Hon. Salim Mvurya, announced that Kenya has already initiated pre-qualification procedures with World Athletics. This process places the country alongside a formidable list of contenders, including Ethiopia, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, South Korea, and India.
“Our submission is a demonstration of Kenya’s commitment to elevate athletics and showcase Africa’s capacity to host the world,” said CS Mvurya. “Kasarani Stadium has the facilities, Nairobi has the spirit, and Kenya has the athletes and fans to make this a truly historic championship.”
Kenya’s bid builds on its growing reputation as a trusted host for world-class athletics competitions. Nairobi has successfully staged the 2017 World Under-18 Championships and the 2021 World Under-20 Championships, both of which were hailed as well-organized and vibrant showcases of young global talent.
These events not only highlighted Kenya’s logistical capacity but also its passionate fan base. Packed stadiums and electrifying atmospheres set Nairobi apart, with Kasarani Stadium filled to capacity in scenes rarely matched at junior global competitions.
The Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, stands as the centrepiece of Kenya’s bid. With a seating capacity of 60,000, world-class track facilities, and proximity to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Nairobi’s hospitality infrastructure, the stadium offers a strong foundation for hosting an event of this scale.
The government has pledged further upgrades to meet World Athletics standards, including enhanced athlete facilities, improved media and broadcasting centers, and modernized transport links.
Kenya’s road to securing the championships will not be easy. The bid is up against heavyweight contenders including Ethiopia, another athletics giant with rich history, The United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, South Korea and India.
For Kenya’s athletes, many of whom have dominated global middle- and long-distance running, competing for world titles before a home crowd would mark the pinnacle of their careers. For fans, it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness the world’s fastest sprinters, strongest throwers, and most enduring runners converge in Nairobi.