Kenya's ambition to become the first African nation to host the World Athletics Championships has faced a major challenge after London officially submitted its final bid to stage the 2029 edition.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsAthletic Ventures, a consortium comprising UK Athletics, London Marathon Events and the Great Run Company, confirmed on Thursday, 6 August that it had submitted the final bid documents to World Athletics, with the iconic London Stadium proposed as the championship venue.The successful host city will be announced by World Athletics in September, with Kenya among a shortlist of serious contenders.##NAJAVA_MECA_9883156##Kenya formally submitted its bid in September 2025 to host either the 2029 or 2031 World Athletics Championships at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Should the bid succeed, it would mark the first time the prestigious global athletics event is held on African soil.However, London's entry significantly raises the level of competition.The British capital has a proven track record of hosting major athletics events, having successfully staged the 2017 World Athletics Championships. London Stadium, originally built for the 2012 Olympic Games, has continued to host elite competitions, including the London Diamond League over the past four years.Kenya wins three medals on Day One of World Athletics U20 ChampionshipsThe bid has also received strong institutional backing. A feasibility study conducted before London's intention to bid was announced projected the championships could generate an estimated £400 million (approximately Ksh69.7 billion) for the UK economy.The UK Government has already pledged its support, while Premier League club West Ham United, which uses London Stadium as its home ground, has also backed the proposal.In a statement, West Ham confirmed it is working alongside London Stadium LLP and Athletics Ventures on several initiatives to enhance the stadium, and the overall fan experience should London secure the hosting rights.Window of opportunity for Kenya to host global athletics events opens upFor Kenya, the 2029 bid represents a second opportunity to bring the World Athletics Championships to the continent after Nairobi narrowly missed out on hosting the 2025 edition, which was awarded to Tokyo.At the time, World Athletics acknowledged Kenya's rich athletics heritage but expressed concerns over the country's readiness, particularly the need for a fully modernized stadium capable of meeting international standards.World Athletics President Sebastian Coe had previously praised Kenya's contribution to the sport but noted that timelines surrounding infrastructure upgrades posed a significant challenge.Determined to address those concerns, Kenya has accelerated improvements to its sporting facilities.Kenyan Madina Okot secures move to Australia after dream WNBA draftKasarani Stadium remains the centerpiece of the country's bid and is currently undergoing extensive renovations ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Once the continental football tournament concludes, the venue is expected to receive a new World Athletics-standard tartan track, while additional upgrades will also be carried out on the warm-up facilities.Nyayo National Stadium has been designated as the official training venue for the championships should Kenya's bid succeed.Officials believe the ongoing investments have significantly strengthened the country's case, with Kenya already progressing through both the pre-qualification and candidature stages of the bidding process.Although Kenya has never hosted the senior World Athletics Championships, it has successfully organized several major international competitions.##NAJAVA_MECA_9883879##These include the 2007 World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Mombasa, the 2017 World Under-18 Championships in Nairobi, and the 2021 World Under-20 Championships.However, the race remains highly competitive.Besides London and Kenya, other cities in contention include Rome, Munich, Seoul, Addis Ababa and New Delhi, setting up an intense battle before World Athletics announces the winning host in September.