Nairobi has been awarded the right to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, becoming the first African city to stage the global track and field competition.

The Kenyan capital beat strong competition from London, Rome and Munich to secure the event, with World Athletics recognising Kenya’s rich athletics tradition, passionate supporters and growing ability to organize major international competitions. The championship is regarded as athletics’ biggest global event outside the Olympic Games.

Kenya’s exceptional connection with athletics also played a major role in the successful bid. World Athletics research found that 68 percent of Kenyans rated their interest in athletics as high, well above the 38 percent global average, making the country the most athletics-interested market surveyed.

Kenyan fans also rank fourth globally among followers of World Athletics’ social-media platforms, while the country recorded the highest net promoter score of any market. Athletics is Kenya’s second most-followed sport, behind only football.

The strong fan base, combined with Kenya’s record of producing world-class athletes, presented Nairobi as a compelling destination for the 2029 championship. The decision offers Kenya a major opportunity to showcase its sporting culture, athletes and capacity to host the world on the African continent.