Nairobi to host 2029 World Athletics Championships in African first
Nairobi will become the first African host of the World Athletics Championships in 2029 following the September 15, 2026 announcement. Munich will host in 2031.
In short
- Nairobi will become the first African host of the World Athletics Championships in 2029 following the September 15, 2026 announcement.
- Munich will host in 2031.
Nairobi will host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, bringing the competition to Africa for the first time, after a host selection announced on September 15, 2026. Munich was awarded the 2031 edition.
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe announced the decisions in Budapest, according to The Guardian. British Athletics separately confirmed both selections and said Nairobi had been chosen ahead of London.
The decision gives East Africa a place on the hosting calendar for the sport’s global championships. Nairobi has previously staged the World U18 Championships in 2017 and the World U20 Championships in 2021, according to World Athletics’ announcement.
Both the 2029 and 2031 editions are planned for September, World Athletics said, in keeping with its aim of ending the athletics season with a major global championship. Beijing is due to host the next edition in 2027.
Coe said the selection considered budgets, government financial guarantees and the potential to expand the sport’s audience. UK Athletics chief executive Jack Buckner expressed disappointment at London’s unsuccessful bid and congratulated Nairobi.
