Ruto pledges full government support for 2029 World Athletics Championships
President William Ruto has assured World Athletics that Kenya will meet all its financial, infrastructural and organisational obligations to deliver a successful 2029 World Athletics Championships in Nairobi.
Ruto gave the assurance on Wednesday evening when he met World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe at the Eldoret Stage Lodge in Uasin Gishu County, in their first meeting since Kenya won the bid to host the global competition.
The President said Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, the designated venue for the championships, was undergoing major renovations ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
“The Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, the venue of the 2029 World Athletics Championships, is undergoing major improvements ahead of AFCON 2027 that Kenya is co-hosting with East African partner states Uganda and Tanzania,” Ruto said.
He added that additional upgrades would be undertaken to ensure the country fulfilled its commitments to the global athletics governing body.
“Further upgrades will be done ahead of the 2029 event in the fulfillment of our commitment and our obligations,” he said.
Kenya is scheduled to host the 22nd edition of the World Athletics Championships in September 2029 after defeating competing bids from Rome and London.
The championships are expected to bring together the world’s leading track and field athletes, placing Kenya at the centre of international athletics.
Coe arrived in Kenya early Wednesday and addressed the media before travelling to Eldoret for his meeting with the President.
The discussions also covered efforts to strengthen the fight against doping and protect the integrity of athletics.
Ruto said he had met the President of the World Anti-Doping Agency, with both leaders committing to eliminating doping and promoting clean sport.
The government’s assurances come as Kenya prepares to upgrade sports infrastructure for two major international competitions within a two-year period.
The Kasarani renovations for AFCON 2027 are expected to provide the foundation for further improvements ahead of the 2029 athletics championships.
Kenya’s preparations will require coordination between the government, World Athletics and other stakeholders to ensure the facilities and organisational arrangements meet international standards.
