Kenyan athletes and coaches have welcomed the announcement that Kenya will host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, describing it as a historic opportunity to revive the country’s dominance in global athletics.

The announcement has sparked excitement among athletes training in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County, popularly known as the Home of Champions, with athletes calling on the government to begin preparations early and ensure the country is ready to host the global event.

Kenya is set to make history as the first country in Africa to host the World Athletics Championships, giving the country an opportunity to showcase its rich athletics heritage to the world.

However, athletes say the championship comes at a time when some of Kenya’s traditional strongholds on the global athletics stage have experienced a decline.

Kenya’s once-renowned dominance in the 3,000-metre steeplechase and 5,000 metres has gradually faded, with other nations increasingly challenging Kenyan athletes in disciplines that were previously regarded as the country’s preserve.

The athletes believe hosting the 2029 championships could provide the much-needed motivation to rebuild Kenya’s athletics programme and reclaim its lost glory.

They are calling for increased investment in talent identification and development, better training facilities and improved support for athletes and coaches across the country.

In Iten, the athletes and coaches have particularly called for the completion and modernisation of facilities, including Kipchoge Stadium and Kamariny Stadium, which play an important role in training and nurturing athletes.

They say world-class facilities will not only help Kenya host the championships successfully but also provide an environment where young athletes can develop into future world champions.

The athletes have also urged the government to improve infrastructure, accommodation and transport facilities ahead of the championships, arguing that preparations should begin well in advance.

They believe Kenya has sufficient talent and athletics history to regain its position at the top of global distance running if the right structures are put in place.

As Kenya prepares to welcome the world in 2029, athletes and coaches in Iten say that the event should be used as a turning point, not only to showcase Kenya’s athletics heritage, but also to restore the country’s fading glory in the 3,000m steeplechase and 5,000m.

They have pledged to work hard on the track and road, hoping that by 2029, Kenya will once again be a dominant force across the major athletics disciplines.