President William Ruto has revealed fresh plans for further upgrades to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, as Kenya prepares to host the World Athletics Championships in 2029.
During a meeting with World Athletics President Sebastian Coe at Eldoret State Lodge, the two discussed preparations for the championships, which will be the first to be held on African soil.
Ruto said that the Kasarani Stadium is undergoing major improvements ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and further upgrades would still take place so that Kenya is able to meet the global athletics event.
“The Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani Stadium is already undergoing major improvements for AFCON 2027, and will further be improved for the World Athletics Championships 2029,” Ruto said.
Fans enjoying a football match between Harambee Stars versus Angola at the Kasarani stadium on August 7, 2025.
Photo
Frankline Oduor/Kenyans.co.ke
The meeting further highlighted three key obligations that Kenya must meet to host the championship successfully, which included funding, anti-doping commitment, and stadium preparations.
On funding, Ruto pledged that the government would provide the resources needed to deliver the event. Regarding the Kasarani Stadium, he assured that he would put in the necessary measures to ensure it is completed to host the championships.
“All of the required obligations will be met,” Ruto said, reaffirming his government's commitment to providing the resources needed to deliver the successful championship.
COE welcomes the president’s commitment, saying that Nairobi holds the opportunity to accelerate development in athletics in Kenya and across Africa.
He urged Kenyans to fill the stadium during the championship in order to bring an exciting atmosphere for the competing athletes.
“I call upon Kenya to uphold its stellar reputation for turning out in large numbers for our sport by having a sold-out stadium every night to create an electric atmosphere for our athletes,” Coe said.
On September 15, 2026, Nairobi secured the hosting rights for the 2029 World Athletics Championships after defeating competing bids from London, Rome, and Munich in a closely contested selection process.
Kenya’s hosting of the championship has drawn on its experience organising international athletics competitions, including the 2017 World Under-18 Championships, the 2021 World Under-20 Championships and the annual Kip Keino Classic.
The 2029 World Athletics Championships will be the first edition of the competition to be held in Africa, with Nairobi expected to follow Beijing, which will host the 2027 edition, before Munich hosts the 2031 championships.
An aerial view of the Kasarani stadium in Nairobi.
Photo
Kithure Kindiki