Kenyan President William Ruto welcomed Nairobi's selection as the host city for the 2029 World Athletics Championships, calling it a landmark moment for both Kenya and Africa.
Kenya will become the first African country to host a flagship global competition in running and track and field athletics. The decision was made during the 242nd session of the World Athletics Council, held in Budapest on September 14 and 15, following a competitive bidding process that also included London, Rome, and Munich.
Ruto congratulated the bidding team, Athletics Kenya, the Ministry of Sports, athletes, and other stakeholders who helped secure the rights to host the event. In a social media post, the President stated: 'This is a moment for Kenya, a moment for Africa, and a victory for generations of athletes who have made our nation synonymous with excellence on the track, the road, and in cross country.'
He added: 'We thank World Athletics for the trust it has placed in Kenya. We will justify this trust by hosting an unforgettable championship worthy of our athletes, our country, and our continent.'
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe welcomed Nairobi's successful bid, noting that hosting the championship in Africa for the first time would be historic. Coe emphasized that 'Kenya is one of the great athletic nations,' and noted that sport 'is woven into the fabric of the country.'
He also highlighted the contribution of legendary Kenyan track and field champions, including Faith Kipkegon, Vivian Cheruiyot, Eliud Kipchoge, Helen Obiri, David Rudisha, Kipchoge Keino, Paul Tergat, and Tegla Loroupe.
The hosting of the championship in Nairobi will mark another important milestone for the continent, as this event joins a growing list of major international sporting events held in Kenya, including the U18 World Youth Championships in 2017 and the U20 World Youth Championships in 2021.
Before this global event in Nairobi in 2029, the 2027 World Athletics Championships will take place in Beijing, China, and the 2031 edition will be hosted by Munich.