Fans during the 2026 Kip Keino Classic at the Nyayo National stadium/ HANDOUTNyayo National Stadium and Ulinzi Sports Complex will undergo major structural adjustments, in line with World Athletics standards ahead of the 2029 Nairobi World Athletics Championships, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi said.
The two facilities have been earmarked as training venues for the championships, with the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, designated as the main competition arena.
Mwangi said Athletics Kenya and World Athletics technical teams will inspect Nyayo and Ulinzi and recommend required upgrades to ensure they meet the global championship standards.
“The AK and WA teams will also support inspections and provide technical recommendations on Nyayo National Stadium and Ulinzi Sports Complex, which have been earmarked as training facilities for the championships,” Mwangi said.
The readiness of the training venues will be crucial, with World Athletics requiring warm-up facilities to closely replicate competition conditions and provide athletes with safe and consistent preparation. A 400-metre track measured along the running line of Lane One, lanes measuring 1.22 metres wide, and a World Athletics-approved synthetic surface that meets prescribed mechanical standards are among the requirements.
Nyayo already has a Mondo synthetic track, an approved surface that has hosted major international meetings, including the Kip Keino Classic.
Ulinzi Sports Complex presents a different challenge. The facility successfully hosted elite athletics during the 2025 Kip Keino Classic but has a poured polyurethane, or tartan, track rather than the prefabricated Mondo surface installed at Kasarani and Nyayo.
The venue has also required temporary adjustments for some field events during major competitions, making a comprehensive assessment necessary ahead of 2029. Mwangi said Kasarani could also receive additional upgrades depending on the outcome of World Athletics’ assessment.
“With Kasarani already undergoing major renovations ahead of AFCON 2027, the government will work closely with AK and World Athletics officials to inspect the facility and identify any additional requirements that can be incorporated into the ongoing works,” he said.
“This will ensure that once completed, Kasarani is fully positioned to meet the standards required for the 2029 World Athletics Championships.”
Mwangi said early coordination between the Government, Athletics Kenya and World Athletics would be critical to preparations. “Our engagement focused on the key pillars and priority areas of delivery, including stakeholder coordination, logistical planning, venue readiness and the establishment of clear frameworks to guide preparations,” he said.
He added: “Kenya has the experience, infrastructure, talent and institutional capacity to deliver this historic event successfully.”
Nairobi was awarded the 2029 World Athletics Championships earlier this month, marking the first time the global track and field championships will be staged in Africa.
