For the First time the World Athletics Championship is coming to Africa in 2029, and Nairobi has been awarded the rights to host the showpiece.
While making the announcement, World Athletics President Sebastian Coe has said Nairobi has necessary infrastructure and has shown capacity of hosting major athletics competitions such as the Kipkeino classic.
WA president Sebastian Coe: “Taking our championships to Africa for the first time will be historic”, adding that athletics “is woven into the fabric of Kenya”, which has long been a superpower in distance running.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya says Kenya is ready to host the competitions.
“Running is more than competition, it is our national story”. Said the CS.
Africa’s fastest Man Ferdinand Omanyala, Marathon Great Haille Gebrselassie are among the top athletes that have expressed elation following the announcement.
World Athletics also awarded the 2031 championships to Munich, Germany.
“Nairobi and Munich ultimately presented two compelling propositions. They offer very different but equally exciting opportunities for our sport, and I am delighted that we can now begin working with both cities to stage two world-class championships.”
