President William Ruto has called on World Athletics to place its confidence in Nairobi to stage not only a memorable 2029 World Athletics Championships, but also to deliver an event worthy of the championship’s rich global legacy.
On Thursday evening, Kenya made a compelling defence of its bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships before World Athletics’ top leadership, headed by its President, Lord Sebastian Coe.
The Nairobi 2029 Bid Committee had officially submitted its formal bid documents ahead of the August 5 deadline, with Thursday evening’s high-profile virtual presentation before President Coe and the World Athletics Council placing the Kenyan capital firmly at the forefront of the global selection process.
The presentation was driven by the personal conviction of President Ruto and the strategic planning and experience of Bid Committee chairman Ibrahim Hussein, with Kenya seeking to turn its unparalleled athletics heritage into a compelling case for hosting the sport’s premier global championships.
Kenya is hoping to make history as the first-ever African nation to stage the World Athletics Championships on the continent.
However, Nairobi will have to face off against European powerhouses with an established pedigree of staging major global sporting events, including London, Rome and Munich.
In his statement before the World Athletics top brass, President Ruto positioned the Presidency itself as the ultimate guarantor of Nairobi’s success, matching the nation’s deep-running heritage with explicit state backing as Kenya seeks to deliver a seamless and memorable global showpiece.
“Kenya stands before you not just as a home of champions, but as a country fully prepared to make history,” President Ruto declared in his video message to the World Athletics Evaluation Panel and Council.
“On behalf of the Republic of Kenya and the entire African continent, I reaffirm our unequivocal commitment to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships in Nairobi,” President Ruto said.
The Head of State added that the bid carries the full backing of his office and the Government of Kenya, underlining the political will and national commitment behind Nairobi’s ambitious bid.
“This bid carries the full backing, commitment, and pride of the Government of Kenya and the unwavering support of my office. We have matched our passion with substantial national investment,” he added.
To ensure a world-class environment for international delegates, athletes and fans, the Head of State has personally guaranteed expedited visa-on-arrival processes, seamless immigration protocols and stringent, top-tier national security systems.
“The government guarantees seamless immigration processes, expedited visa-on-arrival arrangements for all delegates, and world-class security systems to ensure a safe, secure and welcoming environment,” President Ruto stated.
He added that the government is ready to shoulder the financial and organisational requirements of World Athletics, while continuing to strengthen the infrastructure that would form the backbone of Nairobi’s hosting plans.
“We are also transforming our sporting infrastructure. Our iconic stadia, including the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, have undergone comprehensive modernisation to meet and exceed the highest international standards.”
“Kenya is fully prepared to shoulder the financial and operational responsibilities required to deliver a world-class championships, worthy of the World Athletics legacy.”
In conclusion, Ruto called on the World Athletics leadership to place its confidence in Nairobi to stage a memorable event and allow Africa to host the global athletics family for the first time.
“We invite you to place your confidence in Nairobi. Kenya is ready, Africa is ready, and we look forward to welcoming the world with open arms. Karibu Nairobi.”
Nairobi Bid Committee chairman Ibrahim Hussein views the timely submission and presentation as the final piece of an undeniable athletics narrative, one built on Kenya’s remarkable history of producing champions and shaping the global distance-running landscape.
Hussein holds a legendary place in athletics history as the first African to win both the New York City and Boston Marathons, a historic breakthrough that effectively helped usher in decades of African dominance in global marathon running.
Bringing that unmatched experience to the table, Hussein believes that after generations of Kenyan dominance on the track and roads, the time has finally arrived for the global athletics family to trust Africa with the leadership of its biggest championships. “Kenya has dominated global athletics for generations,” Hussein told the World Athletics leadership in Thursday’s virtual presentation.
“It’s now time for the world to bring the world championships to African soil for the very first time. I believe it’s our time. Trust our leaders. Trust our experience. Trust our passion. Choose Nairobi! Karibu Nairobi. Karibu Kenya. Karibu Africa.”
