Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya says it is only fitting that Africa’s most decorated nation in athletics, Kenya, be granted the honour of hosting the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
The CS on Saturday formally submitted Kenya’s bid to stage either the 2029 or 2031 at the Moi Stadium, Kasarani, Nairobi.
If successful, this bold, historic move would see the world’s greatest athletics showpiece come to Africa for the first time.
Other nations in the race to host the 2029 edition include Ethiopia, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, South Korea and India.
Mvurya confirmed that Kenya has already commenced pre-qualification procedures with World Athletics.
Drawing on Kenya’s unmatched athletics heritage, he said the nation’s record of producing world champions gives it a strong edge.
“Kenya’s story in athletics is unrivalled on the African continent. Our athletes have flown the national flag with pride and broken records across generations. Hosting the championships would be a natural progression of that legacy," Mvurya said.
Globally, Kenya sit second in the all-time medal standings at the World Championships, behind the USA.
While in Tokyo, Japan, during discussions with World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe, the CS said the bid is not merely aspirational but a carefully structured national strategy anchored on strong leadership and a clear vision.
“This bid is supported at the highest level of government, reflecting President William Ruto’s vision to position Kenya as a global sporting powerhouse. This is a national project, and our commitment is absolute," he said.
Reflecting on Kenya’s past attempts to secure hosting rights for global events, Mvurya noted that the country has previously come closest to delivering Africa’s first World Championships.
He stressed that lessons learned from those efforts are now shaping and strengthening the current bid.
“Africa deserves its moment. Kenya came close before, but today we present an even stronger case built on world-class facilities, government commitment, and our unmatched athletics tradition," he observed.
The CS pointed to Kenya’s recent success in hosting the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) as proof of the country’s readiness.
The tournament, he said, demonstrated Kenya’s ability to stage continental competitions in line with international benchmarks.
He highlighted the ongoing infrastructure upgrades at the Moi Stadium, Kasarani, and Nyayo Stadium, including the installation of synthetic running tracks and modernisation of facilities, as clear evidence of preparedness.
“The refurbishments of Kasarani and Nyayo stadia are not just about facilities, they are about creating a modern sports ecosystem. From world-class running tracks to upgraded training centres, Kenya is positioning itself to deliver venues that meet and even exceed global standards,” CS Mvurya said.
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