Nairobi submits bid for 2029 World Athletics Championships

Nairobi has formally submitted its bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships. The Nairobi 2029 Bid Committee presented its documents to the World Athletics Council and President Lord Sebastian Coe ahead of the August 5 deadline.

President William Ruto has provided a personal guarantee to support the bid, positioning the presidency as the ultimate guarantor for the event. In a video message to the World Athletics Evaluation Panel and Council, the President stated that the government is prepared to handle all financial and organizational requirements. He also committed to providing expedited visa-on-arrival services, efficient immigration protocols, and high-level national security to accommodate athletes and fans.

Bid Committee Chairman Ibrahim Hussein, the first African to win both the Boston and New York City Marathons, led the virtual presentation. Hussein argued that after decades of Kenyan dominance in the sport, the championships should be held on African soil for the first time. The committee noted that awarding the event to Nairobi would be a historic milestone for the continent.

To prepare for the potential event, the Kenyan government has been modernizing sporting infrastructure, including the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, to meet international standards. The bid seeks to match Kenya's running heritage with significant national investment and state-level support.

Nairobi is competing against London, Munich, and Rome for the hosting rights. World Athletics will announce the host cities for both the 2029 and 2031 editions simultaneously on September 15, following the Ultimate Championships in Budapest, Hungary.