Kenya to submit bid for 2029 or 2031 World Athletics Championships

Kenya will officially present its bid to host either the 2029 or 2031 World Athletics Championships during the ongoing global event in Tokyo, Japan.

Athletics Kenya (AK) Executive Member and Youth Development Director Barnaba Korir confirmed the move, saying the country is determined to bring the biennial event to Africa for the first time.

Korir, who is in Tokyo for the championships, echoed sentiments made by AK President, retired General Jackson Tuwei, during Team Kenya’s flag-off by President William Ruto at State House on 3 September.

“We have already prepared the bid documents, and we are going to present them when we go to Tokyo. After that, we will follow it up because there are requirements that we need to meet,” said Tuwei.

Korir added that Kenya will participate in the World Athletics Observer Programme, a key step in the bidding process.

“President of World Athletics, Lord Sebastian Coe, together with Chief Executive Officer John Ridgeon, officially launched the Observer Programme, a comprehensive introduction to the process of bidding for the World Championships in 2029 and 2031,” he posted on his social media platforms.

Kenya previously lost its bid for the 2025 championships to Tokyo due to infrastructure concerns. The 2027 event has already been awarded to Beijing. However, AK believes ongoing upgrades at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo Stadium will strengthen Kenya’s case.

The country’s confidence is also boosted by its successful hosting of the 2021 World Athletics U20 Championships at Kasarani, which brought together athletes from 116 national associations.

If successful, Kenya will make history as the first African nation to stage the prestigious event. The United Kingdom is also bidding for the 2029 edition, while Ethiopia is expected to compete for either 2029 or 2031. The pre-qualification submission deadline is 1 October 2025.

Korir thanked the government for backing the bid and expressed optimism that Kenya’s athletics legacy will give it an edge.

Kenya, a dominant force in global distance running, is currently second in the medal standings at the Tokyo championships.

Beatrice Chebet won gold in the women’s 10,000m, while Peres Jepchirchir clinched victory in the women’s marathon. The United States leads the table with five golds and one bronze, while Jamaica sits third with one gold and two silver.