Kenya has submitted an official bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, seeking to become the first African country to stage the sport’s flagship event.
Nairobi faces rival bids from London, Rome and Munich, with World Athletics expected to make its decision next month.
Athletics Kenya said its bid is backed by the government and makes a compelling case for bringing the championships to the continent.
“The government has committed its full support to the bid, ensuring the necessary organisational framework, security measures and modern infrastructure required to host a world-class global showpiece,” the federation said.
BBC Sport Africa understands that the 48,000-capacity Kasarani Stadium would be the intended venue.
Kenya has a long record in athletics, particularly in middle- and long-distance running. The country has won 72 World Championship gold medals and 38 Olympic gold medals, while Kenyan athletes hold 17 current world records across track and road events, including the men’s and women’s marathons.
The Kenyan team finished second in the overall medal table at last year’s World Championships in Tokyo, winning seven gold medals among 11 podium finishes.
Kenya previously hosted the World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa in 2007, the World Under-18 Championships in Nairobi in 2017 and the World U20 Championships in the capital in 2021. Nairobi also hosted the African Athletics Championships in 2010.
The country’s bid follows an unsuccessful attempt to host the 2025 World Championships. Kenya is also set to co-host next year’s Africa Cup of Nations with Tanzania and Uganda.
