Kenya has officially submitted its bid to host the 2029 and 2031 World Athletics Championships at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, marking a historic push to bring the event to Africa for the first time.
Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, in a statement on Saturday, confirmed that Kenya has begun the pre-qualification process with World Athletics, joining a competitive field that includes Ethiopia, the UK, Italy, Germany, South Korea, and India.
Drawing on Kenya’s unrivalled athletics tradition, Mvurya said the nation’s long history of producing world champions gives it a unique advantage.
“Kenya’s story in athletics is unmatched on the continent. Our athletes have flown the flag high for generations. Hosting the Championships would be a natural continuation of that legacy,” he said.
Speaking in Tokyo during talks with World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, Mvurya stressed that the bid is a structured national strategy backed by top leadership.
“This bid is supported at the highest level of government, reflecting President William Ruto’s vision to make Kenya a global sporting powerhouse. This is a national project, and our commitment is absolute,” Mvurya said.
He stated that Kenya has previously come close to winning global hosting rights, and lessons from those experiences have strengthened the current bid.
“Africa deserves its moment. Kenya nearly made history before, but this time we are presenting a stronger case, built on upgraded facilities, government commitment, and our unmatched athletics tradition,” he said.
Kenya’s successful hosting of the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) was cited as proof of the country’s readiness.
Mvurya explained ongoing renovations at Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums, including new synthetic tracks and modern facilities, as part of a broader strategy to build a world-class sports ecosystem.
“These refurbishments go beyond facilities; they are about creating an environment that matches and exceeds international standards,” Mvurya added.
