KENYA IS PREPARING FOR A HISTORIC ATHLETICS EVENT
Nairobi will host the 2029 World Athletics Championships after Kenya was selected by the World Athletics Council on September 15, 2026.
The decision makes Kenya the first African country to host the senior World Athletics Championships since the competition began in 1983.
The event is scheduled to take place in September 2029, with the main competition expected to be staged at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
HOW MUCH MONEY WILL KENYA SPEND?
The Kenyan government has committed about US$78 million to the project.
That is approximately KSh10.1 billion based on the figure reported for the government's contribution.
However, the KSh10.1 billion figure should not be understood as the final total cost of the entire championships.
The government's contribution is expected to be supported by sponsorships, commercial partnerships and other event-related revenues.
WHY IS THE BILL SO LARGE?
Hosting a global athletics championship involves much more than putting athletes on a track.
Kenya must prepare competition venues, training facilities, accommodation, transport, security, technology, broadcasting infrastructure and other services needed for thousands of athletes, officials, media workers and visitors.
The country is also upgrading major sporting facilities as part of its wider preparations for international competitions.
KASARANI IS ALREADY UNDERGOING MAJOR WORK
One of the biggest advantages of Nairobi's bid is the ongoing redevelopment of Kasarani.
World Athletics says the stadium is undergoing a complete structural overhaul ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host with Tanzania and Uganda.
That means the infrastructure being developed for AFCON can also help Nairobi prepare for the 2029 athletics championships.
World Athletics specifically highlighted the renovated Kasarani Stadium, operational planning and financial guarantees as important parts of Nairobi's successful bid.
KENYA LEARNED FROM ITS 2025 BID
Nairobi previously tried to host the 2025 World Athletics Championships but lost the bid to Tokyo.
For the 2029 campaign, Kenya returned with a stronger proposal built around improved facilities, experience and government backing.
Nairobi has already hosted major athletics competitions, including the 2017 World Under-18 Championships and the 2021 World Under-20 Championships.
The city also hosts the annual Kip Keino Classic, which is part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold.
WHY THE EVENT IS HISTORIC
The championships will give Africa its first opportunity to host the senior World Athletics Championships.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe described Nairobi's bid as compelling and emotional, while highlighting Kenya's long relationship with athletics.
World Athletics also says 68% of Kenyans surveyed reported a high interest in athletics, compared with a global average of 39%.
WHAT COULD THE CHAMPIONSHIPS MEAN FOR KENYA?
The event could create opportunities for tourism, hospitality, transport, construction and other businesses in Nairobi and beyond.
Thousands of athletes, coaches, officials, journalists and spectators are expected to travel to Kenya, potentially increasing demand for hotels, restaurants, transport services and other businesses.
Kenya will therefore be looking beyond the competition itself, with the event also serving as a major international showcase for Nairobi.
THE BIG QUESTION IS HOW THE MONEY WILL BE USED
With billions of shillings involved, preparation will attract close attention.
The success of the championships will depend not only on the quality of the sporting facilities but also on how effectively the government and organisers manage construction, transport, security, accommodation and event operations.
For Kenya, the next three years will be about turning the successful bid into a championship capable of meeting global standards.
THE ROAD TO 2029 HAS ALREADY STARTED
The 2029 World Athletics Championships will follow the Beijing 2027 edition.
Nairobi now has three years to complete preparations and deliver Africa's first senior World Athletics Championships.
For a country with one of the world's strongest athletics traditions, the event represents a major moment on the international sporting calendar.
