Nairobi selected to host 2029 World Athletics Championships

Nairobi has been selected to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, marking the first time the event will be held on the African continent. The championships are set to take place at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium, which is currently undergoing renovations. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe described Nairobi’s bid as “compelling and emotional,” noting that the city has demonstrated it is ready for this moment.

In response to the selection, Kenya’s Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen dismissed concerns regarding doping that have been raised in relation to the country hosting the global event. Murkomen asserted that the government has been transparent and has intensified efforts to crack down on individuals facilitating the use of banned substances. He stated, “The issue has been brought out because we are a very serious country when it comes to doping. We do not hide anything.”

Additionally, Murkomen launched the Sh63 million Mashujaa Day Sporting Tournament in Eldoret. The tournament, which focuses on football, volleyball, athletics, and basketball, is designed to identify grassroots talent and will distribute approximately Sh60 million in prize money to participants. To ensure fairness, professional players are prohibited from competing, and an ICT-based system will be used to verify participants.