By GPC News Desk
President William Ruto has welcomed the historic decision awarding Kenya the right to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, describing it as a defining moment for the nation and the continent.
In his statement, Ruto said Kenya was “honoured to bring the world’s premier athletics competition to Africa for the very first time.”
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He thanked Athletics Kenya, the Ministry of Sports, Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy, athletes, and all stakeholders who worked tirelessly on the bid.
He also expressed gratitude to World Athletics for its confidence in Kenya, promising to deliver an unforgettable championship.
The announcement means Nairobi will stage the event beating bids from London and Rome, while Munich was awarded hosting rights for 2031.
Kenya’s rich athletics heritage was central to its case, with the country boasting 72 World Championship and 38 Olympic gold medals, predominantly in middle‑ and long‑distance running.
Two‑time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge was among those who fronted the campaign, underscoring Kenya’s unmatched legacy in the sport.
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe described Kenya’s bid as “compelling and emotional,” noting that athletics is woven into the fabric of the country.
“It was important that the World Championships should come to Africa when we had the right host, the right bid and the right circumstances. Nairobi has demonstrated emphatically that this is their moment,” Coe was quoted by BBC as saying.
The decision marks the first time Africa will host the senior World Championships, despite the continent producing some of the sport’s greatest stars.
Kenya’s successful bid also highlighted its track record in hosting major events, including the 2017 World Under‑18 Championships, the 2021 World U20 Championships in Nairobi, and the 2007 World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa.
Although Kenya previously lost out to Tokyo in its bid for the 2025 edition, this time it pointed to significant upgrades to existing facilities as proof of readiness.
Kasarani Stadium is undergoing a complete structural overhaul ahead of co‑hosting the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027 alongside Tanzania and Uganda, further strengthening Nairobi’s credentials as a global sporting hub.
The 2029 World Athletics Championships will not only showcase Kenya’s dominance in distance running but also stand as a continental milestone, affirming Africa’s place at the heart of global athletics.
