By GPC Sports Desk
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has credited sustained Government investment and collaboration with Athletics Kenya for Nairobi’s successful bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
Mvurya said the award was the result of years of investment in athletics, sports infrastructure, athlete development and Kenya’s capacity to stage major international competitions.
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“This achievement did not happen by chance. It is the culmination of considerable effort, time and investment by the Government, Athletics Kenya and our partners,” Mvurya said.
He said Kenya had deliberately built its capacity and credibility as a host of major sporting events, adding that the confidence placed in the country by World Athletics validated those efforts.
Kenya previously hosted the World U18 Championships in 2017 and the World U20 Championships in 2021, events Mvurya said provided valuable experience in staging international competitions.
“Having successfully hosted the world’s emerging athletics talent at U18 and U20 level, we are now progressing to the highest stage—welcoming the world’s elite athletes to the Home of Champions in 2029,” he said.
Mvurya said the hosting rights come as the Government undertakes major investments in sporting infrastructure, including 33 stadium projects across the country and the modernisation of existing facilities.
The Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, which will be central to the 2029 Championships, is undergoing renovation and modernisation, including redevelopment of its athletics track and other competition facilities.
The Government is also developing the 60,000-seater Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City as part of preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
Mvurya said the infrastructure investments would have benefits beyond the 2029 Championships by improving training and competition facilities for Kenyan athletes, supporting grassroots talent development and enabling the country to attract more international competitions.
He said the projects would also create opportunities in tourism, hospitality, broadcasting, technology, merchandising and the creative economy.
“Our investment is not for one tournament. We are building a sporting ecosystem that will serve generations,” Mvurya said.
He added that hosting the championships would help Kenya turn its reputation as a producer of world-class athletes into wider economic opportunities through sports tourism, investment, employment and commercial activities linked to major sporting events.
“For generations, Kenya has taken its champions to the world. Through these investments, we are creating the infrastructure and capacity for the world to come to Kenya. In 2029, global athletics comes to the Home of Champions,” he said.
