KU plans upgrade ahead of 2029 World Athletics

BY NEWSFLASH REPORTER

Kenyatta University is preparing to upgrade its sports facilities after Kenya won the right to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, with the institution expected to play a supporting role in the landmark event.

Kenyatta University Director of Sports Dr Francis Mundia Mwangi said the successful bid was significant not only for Kenya, but also for Africa and athletics globally.

“It means a lot for Kenya, Africa and sports in general,” said Mundia.

For the university, he added, the hosting rights present an opportunity to strengthen its infrastructure and capacity to stage major international competitions.

“We are elated. It is an opportunity to do more to upgrade our facilities and organisational capacity,” he said.

Mundia noted that the university is likely to host the Games Village as well as a training and warm-up track during the championships. The facilities are expected to undergo improvements ahead of the event, although the precise timetable is yet to be finalised.

Track upgrade planned

The university’s existing athletics infrastructure could also be expanded, with Mundia indicating that the current six-lane track is likely to be upgraded to eight lanes.

“It should be soon, maybe next year,” he said.

The proposed improvements build on Kenyatta University’s experience in hosting major athletics events. Its facilities were used during the 2017 World U20 Championships, giving the institution experience in accommodating international athletes and supporting a major global competition.

Kenya’s successful 2029 bid was announced by World Athletics in Budapest on September 15, with Nairobi set to become the first African city to host the senior World Athletics Championships.

The decision followed a competitive bidding process involving four candidates for the 2029 and 2031 championships. Munich was awarded the 2031 edition.

Athletics’ record

Nairobi’s bid was strengthened by Kenya’s record of staging international athletics events, including the 2017 World U18 Championships and the 2021 World U20 Championships. The country also hosts the Kip Keino Classic, a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting.

World Athletics said Nairobi’s bid combined operational planning and financial guarantees with the ongoing renovation of Kasarani Stadium, which is being upgraded ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 2029 championships will mark the first time the flagship World Athletics event is staged on African soil. The championships will follow the 2027 edition in Beijing.

For Kenyatta University, Mundia sees the opportunity extending beyond the competition itself, with upgraded facilities and greater organisational capacity potentially leaving a lasting sporting legacy for the institution.