By GPC Sports Reporter
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to hosting a world-class World Athletics Championships in Nairobi in 2029, saying Kenya has the capacity and resources required to stage the global sporting event.
Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi made the commitment on Thursday when he hosted World Athletics Head of Competition Management Pierce O’Callaghan.
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Mwangi said Kenya was proud to have won the competitive bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships and assured World Athletics officials of the government’s full support towards the successful delivery of the event.
The PS said Kenya was ready to host what he described as a historic competition, adding that the government would work closely with World Athletics officials to ensure that facilities earmarked for the championships meet the highest standards required for a top-tier international event.
“As a country, we are very proud and honoured to have won the bid. We have the resources and capacity to deliver a world-class event in Nairobi,” Mwangi said.
“We will work closely with World Athletics to ensure we comply fully with infrastructural as well as other requirements towards this event,” he added.
O’Callaghan congratulated Kenya on winning the 2029 hosting rights and said World Athletics was confident Nairobi would deliver a memorable championships.
He said the 2029 World Athletics Championships would bring together athletes from more than 210 countries for a 10-day competition, describing it as an opportunity for the event to become part of the socio-economic life of millions of Nairobi residents.
“We want every man, woman and child to be and feel part of this historic event, whether it’s through being volunteers or participating by purchasing tickets to the event,” O’Callaghan said.
He added that Kenyans would also have an opportunity to participate by turning out to watch the marathon, which will be held on the streets of Nairobi.
O’Callaghan further pledged technical support to Kenya as preparations get underway, particularly in ensuring that facilities earmarked for the championships are ready and compliant with World Athletics requirements.
The meeting was attended by senior Athletics Kenya officials led by First Vice-President Barnabas Korir, Sports Kenya Director-General Timothy Kilimo and officials from the State Department for Sports.
