NOC-K's Barnaba Korir: "Delivery will be our defining achievement"
After Sebastian Coe's visit, the NOC-K first vice president says winning the 2029 bid was only the start.
In short: On 14 October 2026, NOC-K first vice president Barnaba Korir called on the government, Athletics Kenya, the local organising committee and World Athletics to work as one to deliver the 2029 World Athletics Championships in Nairobi, K24 reported.
Barnaba Korir, first vice president of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K), issued a statement on Wednesday 14 October after World Athletics president Sebastian Coe's visit to Nairobi. He called the visit "an important moment as we begin the journey towards the 2029 World Athletics Championships in Nairobi", K24 reported.
"Kenya has earned its place on the world athletics stage. Now, the task is to deliver a championship worthy of that legacy," Korir said. "The bid was a major milestone. Delivery will be our defining achievement."
Korir credited Athletics Kenya president Lt Gen (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei and the government's support for the winning bid. He urged the government, Athletics Kenya, the local organising committee and World Athletics to stay united on delivery. He said the championships should leave Kenya with upgraded venues, more home-grown expertise and more visitors.
The World Athletics Council awarded the 2029 Championships to Nairobi at its meeting in Budapest in September 2026. They will be the first World Athletics Championships held in Africa. More on Coe's visit.