Kenya is undergoing a key inspection by officials from World Athletics as the country intensifies efforts to become the first African nation to host the World Athletics Championships.
The World Athletics Bid Evaluation Panel is expected to spend three days in Kenya assessing the country’s preparedness to host either the 2029 or 2031 World Athletics Championships.
The inspection comes as Kenya makes its second major attempt to secure hosting rights for one of the world’s biggest athletics events after Nairobi lost the bid for the 2025 championships to Tokyo.
According to athletics officials, the delegation will evaluate Kenya’s infrastructure, financial readiness, transport systems, athlete accommodation, medical facilities and organisational capacity before making recommendations to the World AthleCounciltics .
Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani remains the main proposed venue for the championships while Nyayo National Stadium has been identified as the official training venue.
Nyayo National Stadium has been confirmed as the official training venue ahead of the tournament. Photo : Courtesy.
Kenya’s previous bid for the 2025 championships faced challenges after concerns were raised over the country’s readiness particularly the lack of a fully modernised stadium meeting international standards. World Athletics president Sebastian Coe had earlier acknowledged Kenya’s strong athletics heritage but stressed the importance of completing infrastructure upgrades within the required timelines.
Since the failed 2025 bid, the Kenyan government has increased investments in sports infrastructure in an effort to strengthen the country’s latest proposal. Major renovations are currently ongoing at Kasarani Stadium including the installation of a canopy ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations tournament which Kenya will co-host together with Uganda and Tanzania.
Officials have also confirmed plans to install a new tartan track and improve warm up facilities at the stadium after the continental football tournament. Sports authorities believe the ongoing upgrades could improve Kenya’s chances of finally hosting the prestigious athletics championships.
The evaluation panel is also expected to assess the government’s financial commitment to the event and Kenya’s long term plans for athletics development. Kenya has already advanced through the pre qualification and candidature stages making it one of the serious contenders for hosting rights.
The country faces competition from several international cities including London, Rome, Munich, Seoul, Addis Ababa and New Delhi.
Despite previous setbacks, Kenya has successfully hosted major athletics competitions in the past including the 2007 World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa, the 2017 World Under 18 Championships in Nairobi and the 2021 World Under 20 Championships. Sports analysts say those events boosted confidence in Kenya’s ability to organise major international competitions while also showcasing the country’s rich athletics culture and passionate fan base.
The Kenyan bid committee is being led by legendary long distance runner Ibrahim Hussein who has expressed confidence in the country’s chances of securing hosting rights.
If successful, Kenya would make history as the first African nation to host the World Athletics Championships since the competition was introduced in 1983.
The final decision on the host city for the 2029 World Athletics Championships is expected to be announced during the World Athletics Council meeting scheduled for September.
