Nairobi has stepped up its campaign to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, with President William Ruto giving the bid his full backing as Kenya seeks to bring the global event to Africa for the first time. The Nairobi 2029 Bid Committee formally submitted its bid documents ahead of the August 5 deadline before presenting its case to World Athletics President Sebastian Coe and members of the World Athletics Council on Thursday evening. The Kenyan capital is competing against London, Rome and Munich for the opportunity to host the 2029 or 2031 championships.
Ruto Gives Full Government Backing
President Ruto assured World Athletics that his administration is fully committed to ensuring Nairobi delivers a successful championship if selected. In a video message to the World Athletics Evaluation Panel and Council, the President highlighted Kenya’s long-standing reputation as an athletics powerhouse and pledged the government’s financial, logistical and security support.
He said Kenya is prepared to provide efficient immigration services, visa arrangements for international visitors and strong security measures to ensure athletes, officials and fans enjoy a safe and welcoming experience. Ruto also pointed to ongoing improvements to Kenya’s sporting infrastructure, including the modernization of facilities at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, which Nairobi hopes will help meet international hosting standards.
Bid Chairman Ibrahim Hussein Makes Case for Africa
Nairobi 2029 Bid Committee Chairman Ibrahim Hussein said Kenya’s success in international athletics makes the country a natural candidate to host the world’s biggest athletics championship. Hussein, a celebrated Kenyan marathoner and the first African to win both the New York City and Boston Marathons, urged World Athletics to give Africa an opportunity to stage the championships for the first time. He argued that after decades of African athletes making their mark on the global athletics stage, the continent should now have the chance to host the sport’s premier event.
World Athletics to Announce Hosts in September
Following virtual presentations by the bidding cities, World Athletics is expected to announce the successful hosts for the 2029 and 2031 World Athletics Championships on September 15. The announcement will follow the inaugural Ultimate Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
For Nairobi, winning the bid would represent a historic moment for Kenya and the wider African continent, giving Africa its first opportunity to host the World Athletics Championships. With government backing, upgraded sporting facilities and a strong athletics tradition, Kenya is now hoping its bid will convince World Athletics that Nairobi is ready to welcome the world.
