Kenya has intensified efforts to secure hosting rights for the 2029 or 2031 World Athletics Championships following high-level talks between government officials and a delegation from World Athletics in Nairobi.
The discussions were led by Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi and focused on evaluating Kenya’s readiness to host one of the world’s most prestigious athletics competitions.
World Athletics delegation assesses Kenya’s preparedness
The visiting delegation was headed by Antti Pihlakoski, who chairs the Bid Evaluation Panel responsible for assessing countries seeking to host the championships.
The team held strategic consultations with senior Kenyan sports officials to review the country’s operational capacity, financial preparedness and infrastructure development plans linked to the bid.
Other officials in the delegation included Competition and Events Director Marton Gyulai, Head of Bidding Mark Hurst, Compliance and Risk Officer Niels Lindholm and sports consultant Nigel Swinscoe.
Government says Kenya capable of hosting global event
Speaking after the meeting, Mwangi said Kenya was fully committed to delivering a successful bid and hosting a world-class athletics championship in Nairobi.
“As the home of champions, Kenya has built a strong reputation in global athletics, and we believe the country has what it takes to host a world-class championship,” he said.
The PS noted that the engagement provided Kenya with an opportunity to showcase the country’s growing capability to host major international sporting competitions.
He said discussions also centred on logistical planning, sports infrastructure, hospitality capacity and international event management standards required by World Athletics.
Investments in sports infrastructure boost bid
Kenya’s bid comes amid increased government investment in sports facilities, road networks, transport systems and hospitality infrastructure under President William Ruto’s administration.
The government has also expanded support for the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) as part of efforts to strengthen anti-doping compliance and reinforce Kenya’s commitment to clean sport.
Kenyan officials present during the discussions included ADAK Chair Aphaxard Muthuri Kiugu, Sports Secretary Administration Evans Achoki and representatives from Athletics Kenya and the State Department for Sports.
Kenya positioning itself as global sports destination
In recent years, Kenya has significantly raised its profile as a destination for international sporting events.
The country has successfully hosted competitions including the World Rally Championship Safari Rally, the Magical Kenya Open and the FIFA Women’s Series 2026.
Kenya is also preparing to co-host the upcoming African Nations Championship.
If Kenya’s bid succeeds, the country would become the first East African nation to host the World Athletics Championships, further cementing Nairobi’s position as a major global sporting hub.
