Kenya to Host 2029 World Athletics Championships

London has failed in its bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, with Nairobi, Kenya, winning the right to organize the event.

This decision marks the first time in history that the World Athletics Championships will be held on the African continent.

The decision was officially confirmed during a World Athletics Council meeting held in Budapest, Hungary.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe stated that this is the first time the championships will take place in an African country, noting that Nairobi delivered a highly impressive and positive presentation.

Jack Buckner, Chief Executive of UK Athletics, expressed deep disappointment that Britain missed out on hosting the event, despite London’s bid centering on the stadium used for the 2012 Olympic Games. The city of Rome, which had also bid for the event, missed out on the opportunity, while the German city of Munich was awarded the hosting rights for the 2031 World Athletics Championships.

The ongoing modernization of the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi—in preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)—further strengthened their hosting bid.

Additionally, World Athletics has stated that it will continue its mission to develop the sport globally by holding future World Athletics Championships in the Asian, African, and European regions on a rotating basis.