Kenyan President William Ruto has hailed Nairobi’s selection to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships as a historic moment for Kenya and Africa.

Kenya will become the first African country to host the World Athletics Championships, the sport’s flagship global track and field event.

The decision was made during the 242nd World Athletics Council Meeting in Budapest on September 14 and 15, following a competitive bidding process that also involved London, Rome and Munich.

Ruto congratulated the bid team, Athletics Kenya, the Ministry of Sports, athletes and other stakeholders who helped secure the hosting rights.

"This is Kenya’s moment, Africa’s moment and a victory for generations of athletes who made our nation synonymous with excellence on the track, on the road and in cross country," the president said in a statement on social media.

"We thank World Athletics for the confidence it has placed in Kenya. We will honour that confidence by delivering an unforgettable championship worthy of our athletes, our country and our continent."

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe welcomed Nairobi’s successful bid, saying taking the championships to Africa for the first time would be historic.

“Kenya is one of the great athletics nations,” Coe said, noting that the sport is “woven into the fabric of the country.”

He highlighted the contributions of Kenyan athletics legends and champions, including Faith Kipyegon, Vivian Cheruiyot, Eliud Kipchoge, Hellen Obiri, David Rudisha, Kip Keino, Paul Tergat and Tegla Loroupe.

Nairobi’s hosting will also mark a major milestone for the continent, with the championships joining a growing list of major international athletics events staged in Kenya, including the 2017 World U18 Championships and the 2021 World U20 Championships.

The 2027 World Athletics Championships will be held in Beijing, China, before the global event comes to Nairobi in 2029. Munich will host the 2031 edition.

(With input from the wires)