By GPC Reporter
Kenya’s tourism sector is expected to receive a major boost after Nairobi was selected to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, the first African city to stage the global event.
The World Athletics Council confirmed Nairobi’s selection during its 242nd meeting in Budapest, Hungary, following a competitive bidding process that also featured London, Rome and Munich.
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Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) chief executive officer June Chepkemei described the decision as a landmark moment for the country’s sporting and tourism sectors, saying it reinforced Kenya’s position as the “Home of Champions”.
“I am immensely proud that Nairobi will host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, the first time Africa will stage athletics’ premier global championship,” Chepkemei said.
“This is more than a victory for Kenyan athletics. It is a powerful affirmation of our place as an athletics powerhouse and a global sports tourism destination of the highest order.”
Chepkemei said KTB would seek to convert the international attention generated by the championships into increased tourist arrivals by encouraging visitors to explore destinations beyond Nairobi.
“In 2029, millions across the globe will have Kenya on their radar. Our task is to convert that attention into arrivals, bringing visitors beyond the stadium to experience our wildlife, our coast, our culture, our adventure, our cuisine, and our hospitality,” she said.
“We want them to come early, stay longer, and travel wider across this remarkable country.”
She said KTB would work with the sports and tourism sectors, airlines, county governments and private-sector players to develop tourism experiences and itineraries around the championships.
The initiative is expected to position the event as more than a sporting spectacle by using the anticipated influx of athletes, officials, spectators and international media to showcase Kenya’s tourism attractions.
“Kenya produces champions, Kenya hosts champions and in 2029, the world comes to the Home of Champions,” Chepkemei said.
“This is the moment we have been building towards, and we intend to ensure that every visitor who comes for the athletics leaves as an ambassador for Kenya.”
Nairobi’s selection marks the culmination of efforts to bring the World Athletics Championships to Africa, with the continent having hosted several major international athletics competitions in recent years.
Mombasa hosted the World Cross Country Championships in 2007, while Nairobi staged the World U18 Championships in 2017 and the World U20 Championships in 2021.
Gaborone, Botswana, is scheduled to host the World Athletics Relays in 2026.
Nairobi has also established itself as a regular host of international athletics through the Kip Keino Classic, which has been part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold circuit since 2020.
Chepkemei credited President William Ruto for championing Nairobi’s bid at the government level and endorsing the city’s candidacy.
“I extend my deepest appreciation to His Excellency President William Ruto for his strong and deliberate endorsement of Nairobi’s bid to host this landmark global event,” she said.
She also commended the Ministry of Sports, Kenyan athletes and other partners involved in the bid.
The 2029 championships will be held at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, which is undergoing renovation ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Kasarani previously hosted the World U18 Championships in 2017 and the World U20 Championships in 2021, giving Kenya an established venue and experience in staging major international athletics competitions.
