NAIROBI, Kenya- African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has congratulated Kenya following Nairobi’s selection to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
Youssouf described the decision as a landmark achievement for Kenya and Africa, with the championships set to be staged on the continent for the first time.
He said Nairobi’s selection demonstrated growing international confidence in Africa’s ability to organise major global sporting events.
“The selection of Nairobi reflects the growing recognition of Africa’s capacity to host major international sporting events,” Youssouf said.
The AUC Chairperson said the championships would give the continent an opportunity to showcase its sporting heritage, young talent and excellence while inspiring a new generation of African athletes.
He also said sport played an important role in strengthening relations between countries and promoting unity, solidarity and mutual understanding.
Youssouf reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to using sport to advance peace, integration, inclusion and sustainable development under Agenda 2063.
He said the commission looked forward to the competition as a celebration of Africa’s talent, unity and potential.
World Athletics selected Nairobi during its 242nd council meeting held in Budapest on September 14 and 15.
The Kenyan capital secured the 2029 competition, while Munich was selected to host the 2031 edition.
Nairobi’s successful bid was backed by its experience in staging international competitions and Kenya’s position as one of the world’s leading athletics nations.
The city hosted the World Under-18 Championships in 2017 and the World Under-20 Championships in 2021. It also hosts the annual Kip Keino Classic, which forms part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold.
The 2029 championships are expected to be held at Kasarani Stadium, which is undergoing extensive renovations ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe described Nairobi’s proposal as compelling, saying Kenya’s connection to athletics and experience in hosting major competitions strengthened its bid.
Kenya previously sought the hosting rights for the 2025 championships, which were awarded to Tokyo.
Nairobi returned with a renewed bid and defeated competition from London, Rome and Munich to secure the 2029 edition.
