In a landmark decision announced during the World Athletics Council meeting in Budapest, Nairobi, Kenya, was awarded the hosting rights for the 2029 World Athletics Championships. The decision marks the first time in history that the flagship event will take place on the African continent.
Nairobi emerged victorious from a field of candidate cities that included London, Rome, and Munich. World Athletics also awarded the 2031 edition to Munich, while London and Rome missed out on both host cycles.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe described Nairobi’s presentation as a “compelling and emotional bid”. The decision continues the organization’s strategic goal of rotating its signature event across different continents, with Beijing scheduled to host in 2027, followed by Nairobi in 2029 and Munich in 2031.
Absa Bank Kenya has extended its congratulations to Athletics Kenya, the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, and generations of local athletes following Nairobi’s successful bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
As a long-standing partner in local sports development, Absa has invested nearly Ksh. 2 billion into the Kenyan sports ecosystem over the past decade. This funding includes six years as the title sponsor of the Absa Kip Keino Classic—a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event that proved Nairobi’s capacity to host top-tier international competitions—as well as sponsoring the Absa Sirikwa Classic Cross Country in Eldoret.
Beyond tournament support, the bank leads financial literacy programs across training camps to help athletes manage their earnings and build long-term financial security.
“We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate this historic achievement for Kenya, Africa, and the global athletics community,” said Mwihaki Wachira, Absa Bank Kenya Marketing and Corporate Affairs Director. “Bringing the World Athletics Championships to African soil for the first time is a defining moment. For years, our investment in events such as the Absa Kip Keino Classic and Absa Sirikwa Classic has been driven by a belief that Kenya belongs on the global stage.”
Factors behind the winning bid
1. Track Record & Culture
Kenya is the second-most successful nation in World Athletics Championships history. The bid was backed by prominent figures in Kenyan athletics, including two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge, world record holder David Rudisha, and multi-time Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon.
2. Infrastructure upgrades
Having lost a bid for the 2025 championships to Tokyo, Kenya addressed key infrastructure requirements through extensive modernization. The primary venue, Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, is undergoing structural upgrades ahead of co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
3. Proven Event Experience
Nairobi previously hosted major international track and field events, including the 2017 World U18 Championships and the 2021 World U20 Championships.