Nairobi is officially set to make sporting history after being selected to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, bringing the premier track and field event to African soil for the very first time.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe announced the landmark decision following the 242nd World Athletics Council meeting in Budapest, Hungary, capping off one of the most competitive bidding races in the organization’s history.

Kenya’s capital emerged victorious after edging out formidable bids from Munich, Rome, and London.

In a dual announcement, World Athletics revealed that while Nairobi secured the 2029 showcase, Munich was awarded the 2031 event.

Coe noted that all four candidate cities presented exceptional propositions, emphasizing that bringing the flagship competition to Africa aligns directly with the sport’s mission to expand its global footprint across Asia, Africa, and Europe over the next three editions.

This historic win builds directly on Nairobi’s proven track record as an international host.

Having successfully staged the 2017 World U18 Championships and the 2021 World U20 Championships, the city has demonstrated both the infrastructure and the passionate fan base needed for a full-scale senior global event.

For Kenya, a nation long celebrated for its world-class distance runners and iconic athletic legacy, hosting the 2029 championships represents far more than a sporting milestone.

It places the country’s venue capabilities, hospitality, and rich athletic culture squarely in the global spotlight, allowing local fans to cheer on the world’s elite athletes on home turf.