Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, will host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, according to local media citing the international governing body, World Athletics.
The decision was announced on Tuesday following a meeting of the World Athletics Council in Budapest. With Nairobi’s selection, the World Athletics Championships will be held on the African continent for the first time in 2029.
Nairobi was competing against London and Rome to host the event. Munich, meanwhile, was awarded the following edition, scheduled for 2031.
Kenyan President William Ruto welcomed the decision, describing it as a “historic moment for Kenya, for Africa.” In a post on X, he also hailed it as “a victory for generations of athletes” who have helped establish Kenya as a global powerhouse in track, road running and cross-country.
“We will honour this trust by delivering an unforgettable championship worthy of our athletes, our country and our continent,” he added.
The decision is particularly significant for Kenya, the second most successful nation in the history of the World Athletics Championships, behind the United States.
