Pres. Ruto pledges memorable 2029 World Athletics Championships

• The two discussed initial preparations for the historic event, with President Ruto assuring the governing body that Kenya would fully meet all its host obligations to deliver a successful championship.

President William Ruto poses for a photo with World Athletics boss Sebastian Coe after a meeting at State Lodge Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County on October 14, 2026.

President William Ruto hosted World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe at the Eldoret State Lodge in Uasin Gishu County on Wednesday, their first official meeting since Kenya successfully secured the bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.

The two discussed initial preparations for the historic event, with President Ruto assuring the governing body that Kenya would fully meet all its host obligations to deliver a successful championship.

"The Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, the venue of the 2029 World Athletics Championships, is undergoing major improvements ahead of AFCON 2027 that Kenya is co-hosting with East African Partner States Uganda and Tanzania," he said.

The President added: "Further upgrades will be done ahead of the 2029 event in the fulfillment of our commitment and our obligations."

Ruto also highlighted a recent meeting with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President Witold Bańka, emphasizing their mutual commitment to eradicating doping and protecting clean sport.

Coe noted that Kenya securing the hosting rights marks a momentous milestone for the nation, the continent, and the sport at large.

"It is a huge nine-day event, with 2,000 athletes and watched by a global audience of one billion," he said.

The delegation meeting was also attended by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, World Athletics CEO Jon Ridgeon, and senior officials from both the Kenyan government and World Athletics.