Kenya will become the first African country to host the World Athletics Championships in 2029, marking a historic moment for a continent that has produced some of the world’s greatest athletes.
Nairobi secured the hosting rights after defeating bids from London, Rome and Munich.
The decision was announced at a World Athletics Council meeting in Budapest on September 15, 2026.
However, Kenya now faces major challenges involving infrastructure, doping controls and preparations for the global competition.
According to Al Jazeera, the event represents an opportunity for Kenya to showcase its sporting achievements while strengthening its international reputation.
Kenya makes history with World Athletics 2029
The World Athletics Championships began in Helsinki, Finland, in 1983.
Since then, the competition has been hosted across several continents. However, Africa has never staged the event.
That will change when Nairobi welcomes the championships in 2029.
Kenya is the second most successful country in the history of the competition.
Its athletes have dominated international distance running for decades.
Olympic champions such as Kipchoge Keino, David Rudisha, Eliud Kipchoge and Faith Kipyegon have helped establish Kenya’s global reputation.
Keino, who won Olympic gold in the 1,500 metres in 1968, welcomed the decision.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, he described hosting the championships as an important achievement for Kenya and African athletics.
He also highlighted the opportunity to inspire future generations of athletes.
Nairobi defeats major European cities
Kenya spent three years campaigning to host the 2029 championships.
Its bid competed against proposals from London, Rome and Munich.
Nairobi’s successful campaign highlighted its previous experience hosting international athletics events.
The city organised the World Under-18 Championships in 2017 and the World Under-20 Championships in 2021.
Kenya also presented plans to upgrade Kasarani Stadium, which will serve as the main competition venue.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe praised Nairobi’s proposal.
He described the Kenyan and Munich bids as strong candidates offering different opportunities for international athletics.
The decision represents a significant victory for Kenya’s sporting ambitions.
Doping concerns remain a challenge
Despite the celebrations, Kenya’s doping record has raised questions about preparations for the championships.
Since the Athletics Integrity Unit was established in 2017, 318 Kenyan athletes have received sanctions for anti-doping violations, according to figures cited by Al Jazeera.
Of those athletes, 136 were still serving bans at the time of the report.
In 2025, the World Anti-Doping Agency found Kenya’s anti-doping agency non-compliant with international standards.
However, Kenya was removed from the agency’s compliance watchlist in 2026 after taking corrective measures.
Recent doping cases involving prominent Kenyan runners have also attracted international attention.
As a result, the country’s anti-doping system will face increased scrutiny before the 2029 championships.
Kenyan officials insist that preparations are progressing and that the country can meet international requirements.
Stadium upgrades and infrastructure preparations
Hosting the World Athletics Championships will require significant investment.
Kasarani Stadium is undergoing renovations ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host with Tanzania and Uganda.
The upgrades are also expected to support preparations for the athletics championships.
However, stadium improvements alone will not be enough.
Nairobi must provide adequate training facilities, accommodation and transport services.
The city will also need reliable security, medical services and broadcasting infrastructure.
Traffic congestion and public transport remain important concerns.
Thousands of athletes, officials, journalists and spectators are expected to attend the competition.
Therefore, the success of the event will depend on wider preparations across the capital.
Kenya sees opportunity for African athletics
Kenyan lawmakers have welcomed the decision as recognition of the country’s sporting achievements.
Dan Wanyama, chairman of Kenya’s parliamentary sports and culture committee, said the country has the experience needed to host the championships.
He pointed to previous international competitions and ongoing stadium improvements.
Meanwhile, supporters believe the event could inspire young athletes across Africa.
The championships could also strengthen Kenya’s position as a destination for international sporting events.
However, the country must demonstrate that its infrastructure and sporting institutions can meet global standards.
For Kenya, winning the hosting rights was a historic achievement.
Delivering a successful World Athletics Championships in 2029 will be the next major challenge.