Kenya has officially entered the race to host the prestigious 2029 World Athletics Championships, marking a significant milestone in the country’s sports ambitions. Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Kipchumba Murkomen, made the announcement on Wednesday, confirming that the nation’s bid has been formally submitted to World Athletics.
Murkomen emphasized that Kenya’s previous bid for the 2025 World Athletics Championships fell short due to infrastructure challenges, but assured that these issues have now been addressed. The country is determined to showcase state-of-the-art facilities for the world’s premier athletics event.
Upgrading Sports Infrastructure to Meet Global Standards
One of the main reasons for Kenya’s previous bid failure was the state of the sports infrastructure. However, with ongoing renovations at the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani, and Nyayo National Stadium, the government is confident that these venues will meet international standards in time for the 2029 Championships. The renovations will include the installation of new tracks and other critical upgrades, with World Athletics experts set to assist in the process.
Murkomen, who toured the headquarters of Athletics Kenya (AK) at Riadha House on Wednesday, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing modern, world-class facilities. He highlighted that the renovation efforts are already underway, with particular focus on the drainage issues at Kasarani Stadium and the installation of a new canopy.
“We are determined to offer world-class facilities for this event,” said Murkomen. “We have the resources, the expertise, and the commitment to make this bid a reality.”
Kenya’s Resilient Spirit: Bouncing Back from Setbacks
Kenya’s previous attempt to host the 2025 World Athletics Championships was unsuccessful, with concerns about infrastructure being a primary obstacle. Despite this setback, the country’s resolve has only strengthened. Athletics Kenya President Jack Tuwei shared that the application for the 2029 Championships was submitted to World Athletics in August and accepted into the pool of potential host countries.
“We didn’t give up. We learned from our previous bid and came back stronger,” said Tuwei. “We were able to push for better infrastructure, and with the government’s support, we’re ready to take on this challenge again.”
While the 2025 World Athletics Championships will be held in Tokyo, and Beijing is set to host the 2027 event, no African country has ever had the honor of staging the World Championships. With the 2029 event still up for grabs, Kenya is positioning itself as a serious contender.
Government’s Commitment to Talent Development
In addition to upgrading its sporting infrastructure, Kenya’s government is investing heavily in the development of young talent through initiatives like the Talanta Hela program. Murkomen revealed that funding for the program, which supports youth camps in athletics, football, and basketball, will be tripled in the coming years. These camps, designed to nurture talent at the grassroots level, were launched in December 2023 with a Sh192 million investment.
The government’s commitment extends beyond major cities like Nairobi, with plans to establish sports facilities in underserved areas. “It disturbs me to see areas like Marsabit, Mombasa, and Isiolo overlooked in terms of sports development,” Murkomen said. “We must change this mindset and create opportunities in every part of the country. There is untapped talent in these regions that deserves to be nurtured.”
A New Era for Kenyan Sports
As Kenya prepares to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, the nation’s ambition goes beyond just hosting an event, it is about elevating the country’s sports infrastructure, engaging the youth, and empowering the next generation of athletes. With the government’s robust support, Kenya is positioning itself to be a beacon of sporting excellence in Africa and beyond.
As the renovations at Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium continue, and with the upcoming CHAN tournament scheduled for 2024, Kenya’s dream of hosting the 2029 World Athletics Championships is slowly becoming a reality. The journey is far from over, but the country’s determination and commitment to building a brighter future for athletics is stronger than ever.
