The Government of Kenya has pledged increased investment in sports infrastructure and athlete development as part of its bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, following a stellar performance at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, where Team Kenya finished second overall.
In a statement issued on September 22, 2025, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, hailed the athletes’ performance and reaffirmed plans to enhance training infrastructure, athlete welfare, and talent development across the country.
"The Government is prioritizing the identification and nurturing of talent through the rollout of 37 Sports Academies in the first phase, which are designed as modern training complexes spread across the country," the statement read in part.
He also added the government's plan to invest in national training camps and international exchange programs to provide athletes with world-class knowledge and mentorship.
"To strengthen technical capacity, we are also investing in coaching expertise through national training camps and international exchange programs, ensuring our athletes benefit from world-class knowledge and mentorship," he added.
Kenya clinched 11 medals in the just-concluded World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, with 7 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze,a remarkable feat that reaffirmed its global dominance in middle and long-distance running. The athletes’ impressive showing has sparked national pride and renewed commitment to transforming Kenya into a premier athletics powerhouse.
“We are incredibly proud of our 59 gallant athletes who carried the Kenyan flag with honour and determination in Tokyo,” said Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya.
“This success is not just about medals, it reflects the resilience, discipline, and spirit of our people. We are committed to investing even more in talent development, athlete welfare, and world-class training infrastructure.”
Among the standout performances were Beatrice Chebet’s golden double in the 10,000m and 5,000m, Faith Kipyegon’s gold and silver in the 1500m and 5,000m, and Emmanuel Wanyonyi’s 800m victory with a championship record. Kenya’s female athletes dominated the track, contributing significantly to the medal tally.
In response to the team’s performance, the government announced ongoing projects including the construction of 37 Sports Academies, the modernization of training centers, and the installation of synthetic running tracks across the country. These initiatives aim to strengthen high and low-altitude training environments and foster the next generation of champions.
“Hosting the 2029 World Athletics Championships in Kenya would be a historic moment, not just for us, but for Africa. We have the experience, infrastructure, and passion to deliver a world-class event. Now is the time to bring the global stage to Nairobi,” Mvurya added.
Kenya has already demonstrated its hosting capabilities through successful events such as CHAN 2024, the IAAF World U18 Championships (2017), and the World Athletics U20 Championships (2021), as well as the annual Kip Keino Classic.
With the 2025 achievements as a springboard, Kenya is now positioning itself as a strong contender to bring the world’s biggest athletics competition to African soil for the first time.
