Nairobi, Kenya, will host the 2029 World Outdoor Championships, becoming the first African city to stage the global track and field event.
World Athletics announced the decision on Tuesday, with Nairobi beating bids from London, Munich and Rome. Munich was selected to host the 2031 championships, while Beijing will stage the 2027 edition.
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe described Nairobi’s bid as compelling and said taking the championships to Africa for the first time would be a historic moment for the sport.
He said Nairobi had demonstrated that it was ready to use the event to boost the development of athletics in Kenya and across the continent.
Kenya had previously bid unsuccessfully to host the 2025 championships but returned with a stronger proposal, including the renovation of Kasarani Stadium, which is undergoing an extensive upgrade ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nairobi has previously hosted several major athletics events, including the 2017 World Under-18 Championships, 2021 World Under-20 Championships and the 2010 African Athletics Championships.
Coe also highlighted Kenya’s strong athletics culture and the country’s history of producing world and Olympic champions, including Faith Kipyegon.
Kenyan Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya welcomed the decision, saying it affirmed Kenya’s position at the heart of global athletics.
The 2029 championships will mark the first time the World Outdoor Athletics Championships are held in Africa, giving the continent an opportunity to showcase its athletes, fans and growing sports infrastructure on the world stage.
