Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has shared the story behind Kenya's successful bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships. Speaking in Eldoret during the launch of the Mashujaa Day Sporting Tournament, Murkomen revealed that the idea initially seemed like a joke. He recalled being approached by Athletics Kenya president Jackson Tuwei in November 2024 with a proposal to bid for the championships.
Murkomen, who was then Cabinet Secretary for Sports, asked Tuwei to prepare a formal letter authorizing Athletics Kenya to proceed with the bid. Although he supported the proposal, Murkomen sought President William Ruto's approval before moving forward. Ruto gave the green light, and Kenya began engaging with World Athletics leadership, including their president who was in the country at the time.
The Cabinet Secretary credited Ruto with taking over the campaign and marketing Kenya's bid internationally. He noted that the President's administration has created an environment conducive to major sporting events and infrastructure development, contributing to a wider revival of sports in the country. Murkomen praised Ruto's focus on sports development, saying it has not happened by accident.
The 2029 World Athletics Championships will be the first time the event is hosted in Africa. Murkomen described the award as a major milestone for Kenya and the continent. The championships will put Kenya at the center of the global athletics calendar, showcasing its long association with the sport. The event is expected to draw athletes, officials, fans, and visitors from worldwide.
Preparations for the championships will focus on upgrading competition venues, training facilities, transport, and accommodation. The event is also anticipated to boost Kenya's tourism, hospitality, and business sectors. Murkomen was accompanied by leaders from Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Nandi counties, which are co-hosting the Mashujaa Day Sporting Tournament.
The successful bid is a significant achievement for Kenya, demonstrating its capability to host a major international sporting event. Murkomen expressed his gratitude to Ruto for his support and leadership in securing the bid. The 2029 World Athletics Championships are expected to leave a lasting legacy for Kenyan sports.
As Kenya prepares to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, the country is poised to showcase its sporting infrastructure and hospitality to a global audience. The event will provide opportunities for Kenyan athletes to compete on the world stage, inspiring a new generation of sports enthusiasts. With the championships approaching, Kenya is gearing up to deliver a memorable experience for athletes and spectators alike.
Key points
- Kenya will host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, marking the first time the event will be held in Africa.
- President William Ruto played a crucial role in securing the bid, taking over the campaign and marketing Kenya's case internationally.
- The championships are expected to boost Kenya's tourism, hospitality, and business sectors, while providing opportunities for athletes and spectators.
