The Kenyan government has pledged to begin preparations in earnest for the 2029 World Athletics Championships, which will be hosted in Nairobi in a historic first for the African continent.

Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi said Kenya has the capacity and resources required to stage the global athletics spectacle, assuring World Athletics of the government’s full support.

Mwangi spoke on Thursday after hosting World Athletics Head of Competition Management Pierce O’Callaghan, during a meeting that focused on preparations for the championship.

The PS said the government will work closely with World Athletics to ensure that all designated facilities meet the required international standards ahead of the event.

“As a country, we are very proud and honoured to have won the bid. We have the resources and capacity to deliver a world-class event in Nairobi,” Mwangi said.

He added that Kenya would collaborate with World Athletics to meet all infrastructure and other requirements necessary for the successful hosting of the championships.

O’Callaghan, meanwhile, expressed confidence in Nairobi’s ability to deliver a memorable championship, signalling optimism over Kenya’s preparations for the historic event.

The meeting was also attended by senior Athletics Kenya officials led by Barnabas Korir, Sports Kenya Director General Timothy Kilimo, and representatives from the State Department for Sports.

The 2029 championships will mark a significant milestone for African athletics, with Nairobi set to become the first city on the continent to host the global track and field showcase.