Overview
- World Athletics announced the selection on Tuesday after its council meeting in Budapest, naming Nairobi for 2029 and Munich for 2031 with Beijing already set for 2027.
- The championships are slated for Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, which is undergoing major renovations and is central to government promises of expanded sports infrastructure and 32 stadium projects.
- The award marks the first time the senior World Athletics Championships will be held in Africa and is presented as part of a regional rotation to broaden the sport’s global reach.
- The decision immediately drew scrutiny over Kenya’s recent series of doping suspensions, placing new pressure on Athletics Kenya and the national anti-doping agency to strengthen testing and compliance.
- London, Rome and Munich had bid for 2029 and London officials expressed deep disappointment at losing the bid, while organisers and Kenyan leaders say the event could boost tourism, jobs and grassroots athletics across the continent.