Nairobi wins bid 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 decision was announced by World Athletics during a council meeting in Budapest, where Nairobi was chosen alongside Munich, which will host the 2031 championships.

While the selection is viewed as a historic milestone for African sports and a boost for Kenya’s tourism and economy, it has drawn scrutiny from British media. Reports have raised concerns regarding Kenya’s anti-doping record, noting that hundreds of Kenyan athletes have faced sanctions since 2017. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe described the decision as a historic opportunity for the sport.

In Italy, the decision has been met with disappointment following Rome’s unsuccessful bid. Local officials noted that the failure to secure the event highlights a need for better political and institutional strategy regarding international sporting bids.