Nairobi is hoping make history as the first African city to host a world championship as its official track and field governing body confirmed on Monday that a bid proposal was submitted to World Athletics for the 2029 event.
Athletics Kenya said in a statement that its “government has committed its full support to the bid, ensuring the necessary organizational framework, security measures and modern infrastructure required to host a world-class global showpiece.”
But the city, and nation, face tough competition from three European cities with London, Rome and Munich all vying to host after next year’s championship in Beijing at National Stadium.
Last week, London revealed some of the details of its final bid, with UK Athletics, London Marathon Events and the Great Run Company all teaming up to give the city what it believes will be the best shot to be selected.
London last hosted the world championships in 2017 while Rome hosted the first every iteration of the event in 1987. Munich has experience serving as the setting for similar event and last hosted the European Athletics Championships in 2020 but has never been pick for a world championships.
Meanwhile, Nairobi notably failed in an attempt to host the 2025 world championships and its reloaded bid not only has government support but the backing of the nation’s rich history of athletes who have won track and field and road running titles at the highest stage.
“The submission places the Kenyan capital firmly in the running for the global selection process,” Athletics Kenya said in its statement. “Kenya has put forward a robust, government-backed bid that is expected to serve as a strong, historic push for the African continent.”
Kasarani Stadium, which has a capacity of 48,000 would likely host the championships despite a newer facility, Raila Odinga International Stadium, currently being under construction and will be ready in time for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations soccer tournament. The new venue can accommodate 60,000 people according to its builder China Road and Bridge Corporation.
Kenya hosted the 2007 World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa, under-18 championships in Nairobi in 2017 and U20 world championships in 2021.
World Athletics will announce the winning bid in September for both 2029 and 2031 championships after the Ultimate Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
