Kenya will become the first African country to host the World Athletics Championships after Nairobi secured the 2029 edition.
The Kenyan capital will stage the championships at the 48,000-capacity Kasarani Stadium.
Nairobi was selected ahead of competing bids from London and Rome. Munich, meanwhile, was awarded the 2031 championships.
The decision marks a major milestone for African athletics. The continent has produced many of the world’s leading athletes but has never hosted the senior World Athletics Championships.
Kenya’s athletics history strengthens Nairobi bid
Kenya’s long record of success in athletics played an important role in its bid.
The country has won 72 World Championship gold medals and 38 Olympic gold medals, according to figures reported by BBC Sport Africa.
Kenyan athletes have been particularly successful in middle- and long-distance running.
Two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge was also among those who supported Nairobi’s case during the bidding process.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe described Kenya’s bid as “compelling and emotional”. He also highlighted the country’s strong connection with athletics.
Nairobi prepares for 2029 World Athletics Championships
Kenya already has experience hosting major international athletics competitions.
Nairobi staged the World Under-18 Championships in 2017 and the World U20 Championships in 2021. Mombasa also hosted the World Cross Country Championships in 2007.
Kenya previously attempted to secure the 2025 World Championships. However, Tokyo won that bid.
Infrastructure was identified as one of Kenya’s weaknesses at the time.
Since then, the country has invested in upgrades to major sporting facilities.
Kasarani Stadium is undergoing extensive renovation as Kenya also prepares to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations with Tanzania and Uganda.
Historic first for Africa
Hosting the 2029 championships will give Africa its first senior World Athletics Championships.
Kenya is one of the most successful countries in the competition’s history. Its athletes have built a global reputation across distance-running events.
The Nairobi championships will now bring one of athletics’ biggest events to the continent for the first time.