• ATHLETICS

• Frank Rotich 4 days ago

Kenya steps up bid to host World Athletics Championships

Kenya has stepped up its bid to host the World Athletics Championships in either 2029 or 2031 following high-level talks between government officials and a delegation from World Athletics.

The delegation was led by Antti Pihlakoski, who chairs the Bid Evaluation Panel, as Kenya showcased its readiness to host one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

The discussions focused on Kenya’s preparedness in areas such as sports infrastructure, transport, finances, hospitality, and event management capacity.

Kenyan officials used the meeting to demonstrate the country’s growing ability to successfully organise major international sporting competitions.

The government reaffirmed its full support for the bid and promised to deliver a world-class championship in Nairobi if Kenya is selected to host the event.

Officials noted that Kenya’s strong athletics history, combined with recent investments in sports facilities and transport systems, places the country in a good position to host the prestigious championships.

Kenya has built a global reputation as the home of long-distance running champions and has recently hosted several successful international events, including the CHAN tournament, the WRC Safari Rally, the Magical Kenya Open, the FIFA Women’s Series 2026, and the U-21 World Taekwondo Championships.

The Government also assured the visiting delegation of its commitment to clean sport through continued support for the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya.

The World Athletics team included Marton Gyulai, Mark Hurst, Niels Lindholm, and Nigel Swinscoe.

The Kenyan delegation featured senior sports officials, Athletics Kenya representatives, and ADAK leadership.

Kenya hopes the successful bid will cement Nairobi’s place among the world’s top sporting destinations and further strengthen the country’s rich athletics legacy.