By David Ndolo
Government pledges full backing as World Athletics reviews preparations and facility requirements for the 2029 global championships
Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a world-class World Athletics Championships in Nairobi in 2029, with the government saying the country has the capacity and resources to host the global competition.
Speaking on Thursday when he hosted World Athletics Head of Competition Management Pierce O’Callaghan, Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi said Kenya was proud to have secured the right to host the championships and was ready to begin preparations for the event.
Mwangi assured World Athletics officials of the government’s full support, saying the State Department for Sports would work closely with the international governing body to ensure that venues earmarked for the championships meet the required standards.
“As a country, we are very proud and honoured to have won the bid. We have the resources and capacity to deliver a world-class event in Nairobi. We will work closely with World Athletics to ensure we comply fully with infrastructural as well as other requirements towards this event,” he said.
The PS said preparations would focus on ensuring that sporting facilities and other infrastructure meet the technical requirements for hosting the championships.
O’Callaghan congratulated Kenya on winning the hosting rights, saying World Athletics was confident Nairobi could deliver a memorable global event.
He said more than 210 countries are expected to participate in the 10-day championships, describing the event as an opportunity for Nairobi residents to become part of a major international sporting occasion.
“We want every man, woman and child to be and feel part of this historic event, whether it’s through being volunteers or participating by purchasing tickets to the event,” O’Callaghan said.
He said Kenyans would also have an opportunity to experience the championships beyond the main stadium events, including through the marathon, which is expected to be staged along the streets of Nairobi.
O’Callaghan further pledged technical support from World Athletics as Kenya prepares its facilities and infrastructure for the championships.
The meeting was attended by senior Athletics Kenya officials led by First Vice President Barnabas Korir, Sports Kenya Director General Timothy Kilimo and officials from the State Department for Sports.
