Ensure flawless games

Nairobi’s selection to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships is a landmark moment for Kenya and Africa.

For the first time, the continent will host the world’s biggest athletics championship, bringing the global track and field community to Kenya. About 2,000 athletes from more than 200 countries are expected, alongside officials, coaches, journalists and thousands of fans.

Kenyans will have the opportunity to watch their stars compete at home, while international visitors will provide a major boost to tourism and businesses, including hotels, restaurants and transport operators.

But hosting the championships will require serious preparation. Kenya must establish a professional Local Organising Committee capable of managing logistics, accommodation, transport, security, meals, accreditation, medical services and the athletes’ village.

A proper Athletes’ Village should meet international standards, while Kasarani serves as the main venue, supported by Nyayo, Ulinzi and Talanta Sports City.

Kenya must also confront doping decisively. Repeated doping cases have tested the country’s reputation as an athletics powerhouse. The championships should be used to strengthen anti-doping systems and demonstrate a firm commitment to clean sport.

Kenya has a proud record to build on, having won 182 World Athletics Championships medals since Helsinki 1983, including 72 golds. Only the United States has won more. From Billy Konchellah and Paul Kipkoech to David Rudisha, Eliud Kipchoge and Faith Kipyegon, Kenyan athletes have helped shape the sport’s history.

Preparations will follow Kenya’s co-hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with Uganda and Tanzania, offering an opportunity to strengthen capacity for major international events.

A test event should be held before 2029 to expose weaknesses in transport, crowd management, ticketing, broadcasting, security and accreditation. Kenya has won the right to host the world. It must now show the world what it can do.

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