Kenya submits bid to host 2029/2031 World Athletics Championships
By Kenneth Mwenda, September 20, 2025Kenya has officially submitted its bid to host the 2029 or 2031 World Athletics Championships at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. If successful, the move would make Kenya the first African nation to stage the world’s biggest athletics event, marking a historic step for both the country and the continent.
The Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, confirmed that Kenya had entered the pre-qualification process with World Athletics. Other countries in the race include Ethiopia, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, South Korea, and India.
Mvurya pointed to Kenya’s deep athletics tradition as a key advantage. For decades, Kenyan athletes have dominated long-distance races and inspired new generations with record-breaking performances. He said hosting the championships would be a natural continuation of that story.
While in Tokyo for the ongoing World Athletics Championships, Mvurya met with World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe. He told him that Kenya’s bid was not just an ambition but part of a national strategy supported at the highest levels of government. President William Ruto has backed the plan as part of his vision to make Kenya a global sporting hub.
Kenya has come close to winning hosting rights in the past, with previous bids showing Africa’s potential. According to Mvurya, lessons from earlier efforts are helping to strengthen the current attempt.
“Africa deserves its moment,” he said. “Kenya came close before, but today we present and even stronger case built on world-class facilities, government commitment, and our unmatched athletics tradition.”
Upgrades and key hurdles
Kenya’s ability to host major events was shown during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which was held at Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium. The successful running of the tournament is being used as proof that the country can handle large competitions that meet international standards.
To boost its chances, the government has stepped up stadium upgrades. At Kasarani and Nyayo, new synthetic running tracks are being laid, while training facilities and seating areas are being modernised. Mvurya described the work as more than renovations, saying it was part of creating a modern sports ecosystem capable of meeting global expectations.
Athletics Kenya (AK) is also playing a leading role. Its president, Jackson Tuwei, confirmed that the bid was formally lodged during the Tokyo championships. AK has set up a technical team led by former Boston Marathon champion Ibrahim Hussein to guide the process.
Barnaba Korir, the First Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya, has called the bid a bold step. He noted that Kenya is not only a land of champions but also a country ready to showcase Africa’s ability to stage world-class events.
However, Kenya still faces hurdles. The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) is currently listed as non-compliant with World Anti-Doping Code standards. Unless the issue is resolved quickly, it could stand in the way of hosting rights. The World Athletics deadline for bids is October 1, 2025, with the 2027 edition already awarded to Beijing, China.
Meanwhile, Kenyan athletes continue to underline the country’s credentials. At the Tokyo championships, the team had already won four gold medals, one silver, and two bronze by mid-September, sitting second on the medal table. Mvurya praised the athletes, saying their success reflects Kenya’s strength in the sport and reinforces its case to host.
If Kenya succeeds, it will not only secure the continent’s first World Athletics Championships but also cement its status as the home of distance running. The event would showcase Africa to the world and give Kenyan fans a chance to see their heroes compete at home on the biggest stage.