Africa’s Fastest Man, Ferdinand Omanyala, believes Kenya’s hosting of the 2029 World Athletics Championships will be a major catalyst for the growth of sprinting and provide a lasting source of inspiration for the country’s next generation of athletes.Nairobi was selected ahead of London and Rome to host the 2029 championships, while Munich was awarded the 2031 edition.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsThe decision marked Kenya’s second attempt to secure the global showpiece after Nairobi lost the 2025 hosting rights to Tokyo.##NAJAVA_MECA_9980516##For Omanyala, the announcement was particularly significant because of what competing at home means to Kenyan athletes.“I was so excited because Nairobi always has this vibe. It brings an energy that I don’t really get from most places in the world. I do get it in some places, but not quite like I do in Kenya. It is something we have always wanted to have in Kenya, whether it is a Diamond League meeting or a major championship, but this one was mind-blowing. Hosting the World Championships is huge. I don’t know if Kenyans understand just how big it is, but I am sure they will as the event gets closer,” the sprinter said.The African 100m record holder knows the impact of a home crowd, having competed at Kasarani during the Kip Keino Classic, national championships and trials.Eliud Kipchoge on why the marathon record will keep fallingHe believes that atmosphere could provide an additional source of motivation when the world’s best athletes descend on Nairobi.“It means a lot to me as a Kenyan athlete because I understand what it feels like to compete at home. I have experienced it at the Kip Keino Classic, at the National Championships, so I know what it feels like to run in front of a home crowd,” he said.Omanyala has already imagined lining up in the 100m at Kasarani in 2029.“I have already imagined how it will feel, from the 100m heats all the way to the 100m final with me in it,” he said.He recalled the atmosphere during the 2017 World U18 Championships and 2021 World U20 Championships in Nairobi, saying the experience showed him the influence a major championship can have on young athletes.“I drew a lot of inspiration from the U18 World Championships in 2018, so you can imagine what this is going to do for the next generation of athletes,” he said.Why New York City Marathon course will change this yearFor Omanyala, that inspiration could be particularly important in helping Kenya expand beyond its traditional strength in middle- and long-distance running.“So, the World Championships, apart from athletes seeing their role models and icons running in front of them, are going to accelerate the growth of sprints,” he said.He also expects the championships to leave behind a valuable infrastructure legacy.Hosting a global event will require investment in tracks, equipment and other facilities, much of which will remain available to Kenyan athletes after the championships.“When a country hosts a World Championship, it comes with its own benefits. Tracks are laid, equipment is brought in, and much of it remains in the country. That will make it easier for our athletes to train,” Omanyala said.The sprinter also anticipates increased commercial opportunities for athletes who make the Kenyan team, with companies likely to seek greater visibility around the home championships.However, Omanyala believes Kenya cannot wait until 2029 to start preparing.AK Boss reveals factors behind Kenya’s successful bid for 2029 World ChampionshipsHe wants the country to build momentum from the 2027 World Championships before transitioning into the 2028 Olympic Games and then the home World Championships.“It starts now. The build-up starts now, and once we get that momentum, it becomes easier to move from one season to another. We need to get the momentum rolling next year. We need to perform very well next year, then go into the Olympic Games, and from the Olympics we go to the World Championships because it is barely nine months between the two,” he said.Kasarani will be at the heart of Nairobi 2029, with the stadium already undergoing major upgrades.John Korir's punishing training regimen in bid to make history at Valencia MarathonOmanyala expects further improvements ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the World Championships.“Kasarani’s upgrade has been major, and we are expecting more upgrades during AFCON and even more ahead of the 2029 World Championships,” he said.With preparations expected to involve World Athletics and the Local Organising Committee, Omanyala is confident Kenya can deliver a championship that will leave a lasting impact on the country’s athletics landscape.
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