For a very long time, Kenya has always been a participant in the athletic scene. The athletics governing body (Athletics Kenya) has always had to plan for trips overseas for its talents.

Berlin, Tokyo, London, its always been about going to the occasion and bringing medals and prize money home, but this time the occasion is coming to Kenya.

The spotlight is firmly held on the country and its capital in 2029 because for the first time ever, the World Athletics will be held in an African country. Nairobi is the chosen city and it comes not only with unwavering excitement from its people, but also with enormous responsibility.

When a country is the host of such an exciting and anticipated event, the economic and cultural gravity shifts. The real impact now moves beyond ticket sales and medals, to the rise of the high-altitude economy.

When athletics fans eventually start flooding in, they rarely want to just sit in the stands and watch. More often than not, they are also runners and want to model themselves after their heroes on the track.

This brings a great opportunity for Kenya to develop its facilities and training centers to shift tourism from primarily wildlife to sports as well.

Stadiums like Kasarani have the chance to be memorable by creating an iconic experience for the fans, making them want to come back for that euphoric feeling again like going to Eldoret to train on the red dirt where the athletic champions are born.

The rich history at Nyayo Stadium which was initially built to host the 1987 All-Africa games can be an example for stadiums that paved the way for further development in the future.

Although the net impact may not be immediate, the benefit will come from future national and continental events. Kenya has a good reputation in the sport with numerous Olympic and world champions, and this opportunity to host the World Athletics Championships will be a chance to showcase modern facilities that will uplift local talent and leagues in the country, cementing Kenya as a serious sports destination on the continent and ultimately the world.