Kenya officially submits bid to host 2029 or 2031 World Athletics Championships

Kenya has formally submitted a bid to host the World Athletics Championships in 2029 or 2031, marking a bold and historic step that could see the global athletics showpiece staged on African soil for the very first time.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya confirmed the move, saying Kenya has already commenced pre-qualification procedures with World Athletics. The country now joins a strong list of contenders, including Ethiopia, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, South Korea, and India.

Speaking from Tokyo, where he met World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe, CS Mvurya stressed that the bid is anchored on strong leadership, government backing, and Kenya’s rich athletics heritage.

“Kenya’s story in athletics is unrivalled on the African continent. Our athletes have flown the flag with pride across generations. Hosting the Championships is a natural progression of that legacy,” said Mvurya.

He underscored that the bid has the highest level of government support under President William Ruto’s vision of positioning Kenya as a global sporting powerhouse. “This is not just aspirational, it is a carefully structured national project, and our commitment is absolute,” he added.

Mvurya noted that Kenya has previously come close to securing international hosting rights and believes the current effort presents an even stronger case. The country’s success in hosting the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), he said, demonstrated its ability to stage large-scale continental events in line with global standards.

Preparations are already underway, with ongoing refurbishments at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo National Stadium. These include the installation of modern synthetic running tracks and upgrades to training facilities, aimed at creating a world-class sports ecosystem.

While in Tokyo, the CS also met with Team Kenya athletes competing at the ongoing World Athletics Championships, where Kenya currently sits second on the medal table with four gold, one silver, and two bronze medals. He praised their resilience and consistency, saying their success continues to showcase Kenya’s sporting excellence on the global stage.

“You have been winning, making us proud, and the world is noticing. Every victory strengthens our confidence and underscores why Kenya is ready to bring the World Athletics Championships to Africa,” he concluded.

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