NAIROBI — World Athletics confirmed on Thursday that Nairobi will host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, awarding the flagship event to Africa for the first time in its history. The Kenyan capital defeated bids from London, Rome and Munich.

The World Athletics Council ratified the decision following a vote overseen by president Sebastian Coe. Kenyan government officials and the national athletics federation had campaigned on the country's status as one of the sport's dominant distance-running nations.

Nairobi's bid promised upgraded facilities anchored by the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, which previously hosted the World Under-20 Championships in 2021. Munich was awarded a later edition of the championships as part of the same round of decisions.

Kenyan athletes, government ministers and federation leaders welcomed the award as recognition of the country's contribution to global athletics. Coe described the choice as a landmark moment for the sport's expansion beyond its traditional European and North American hosts.

"This is athletics coming home," a Kenyan federation spokesperson said. "For decades our runners have carried this sport, and now the world will come to Nairobi to see where champions are made."