Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei has attributed Kenya’s successful bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships to the country’s rich history and sustained success in global athletics.Tuwei, who arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Monday evening from Copenhagen, Denmark, said generations of Kenyan athletes had played a key role in laying the foundation for the historic hosting rights.##NAJAVA_MECA_9968855##“I want to thank our athletes. Without the names our athletes have built, and what they have done, this would not have been possible,” said Tuwei. “From the beginning in the 1950s, we have shown the world that Kenya is strong, and it will continue being strong.”Tuwei also pointed to Athletics Kenya’s record of successfully hosting major international competitions as evidence of the country’s capacity to stage the senior World Championships.“Athletics Kenya started hosting championships in 2007 during the World Cross Country Championships, and in 2017 we hosted the World U18 Championships,” he said.Why Patrick Matasi believes he deserves second chance with Harambee Stars“In 2021 we hosted the World U20 Championships. The only one remaining was this World Championships.”The Athletics Kenya chief described the successful bid as a milestone for the continent, with Nairobi set to become the first African city to host the senior World Athletics Championships.“I want to thank World Athletics for believing in Kenya because this is not just a victory for Kenya; it is a triumph for the whole of Africa. Today, everyone is talking about Africa,” he said.Tusker chairman reveals the club's new home ground for 2026-2027 seasonTuwei, however, stressed that securing the hosting rights was only the beginning, with preparations for the 2029 championships expected to begin immediately.“The work starts now. We have been allowed and respected to host this championship. What remains now is the work, and that work starts now for 2029,” he said. “We welcome all our visitors to Nairobi in 2029.”He revealed that a World Athletics delegation is expected in Kenya within the next two weeks to begin assessing competition venues and other facilities ahead of the championships.“Soon people will start coming to inspect our facilities. The first one will be here in two weeks, so we have to put in the effort. There will be quite a number of people coming,” he added.Andy Cole Omollo details challenges of adapting to life in JapanTuwei said Kenya’s preparations would unfold against the backdrop of two major global athletics events, with the 2027 World Championships in Beijing followed by the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.“Next year we have the World Championships in Beijing, then after that we have the LA 2028 Olympics. After LA, it’s now Nairobi’s turn,” he said.He called for unity within the athletics fraternity as the country embarks on preparations for the landmark event.“All Kenyans, particularly the athletics family, let us encourage ourselves and work together. We have not done this before, but let’s believe we can do this,” said Tuwei.“We have the ability, we have the energy and the courage to do this.”Hussein extends olive branch in bid to unlock FKF NEC stalemateTuwei also acknowledged President William Ruto for his support of Kenya’s bid, saying the President’s backing was instrumental in the successful campaign.“I want to give special thanks to His Excellency President William Ruto for coming out so strongly in support of our bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships,” he said.“That made a huge difference. He spoke, and the World Athletics Council listened.”
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