Nairobi’s historic victory over London, Rome and Munich has been overshadowed by criticism from The Times correspondent Matt Lawton, who questioned the timing of Kenya hosting athletics’ biggest global event.
Nairobi has secured one of the biggest sporting events in the world after beating London, Rome and Munich to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
But barely had the historic announcement been made before the decision came under sharp criticism in Britain.
The Times sports correspondent Matt Lawton has questioned World Athletics’ decision to take the championships to Nairobi, focusing heavily on Kenya’s record on doping.
In an article published on Tuesday, Lawton described the decision as wrong and referred to Kenya as “a nation tainted by doping.”
His criticism comes at a sensitive time for Kenyan athletics, which has faced years of scrutiny over doping cases involving some of its athletes.
According to The Times, 318 Kenyan athletes have been sanctioned for doping violations since the Athletics Integrity Unit was established in 2017, with 136 currently banned. The figures have contributed to continued international scrutiny of Kenya’s anti-doping efforts.
But World Athletics has taken a different view of Kenya’s bid.
Announcing the decision in Budapest, World Athletics President Sebastian Coe described Nairobi’s proposal as “compelling and emotional” and said taking the championships to Africa for the first time would be historic.
Coe also pointed to Kenya’s deep connection with athletics, saying the sport is “woven into the fabric” of the country.
Nairobi beats London, Rome and Munich
The decision means Nairobi emerged ahead of three major European bids.
London had hoped to bring the championships back to the British capital after successfully hosting the 2017 edition, while Rome and Munich were also in contention.
Munich was ultimately awarded the 2031 championships, meaning the next three editions will take the event to Asia, Africa and Europe — Beijing in 2027, Nairobi in 2029 and Munich in 2031.
For Nairobi, the decision is a major moment.
The city will become the first African host of the World Athletics Championships, bringing the sport’s flagship outdoor event to a continent that has produced some of its greatest athletes but has never previously staged the senior championships.
Why the decision has become controversial
Lawton’s argument is not that Kenya lacks an athletics tradition. In fact, that tradition is central to Nairobi’s successful bid.
His concern is whether World Athletics should have chosen Kenya at this particular moment, given the continuing questions surrounding doping in the country.
The issue has been a recurring challenge for Kenyan athletics. At the same time, Kenya has invested in anti-doping measures and has made changes aimed at strengthening its system. World Athletics has pointed to those efforts as part of the broader case for bringing the championships to Nairobi.
That leaves Nairobi with a significant task before 2029: preparing to host thousands of athletes and fans while also showing that Kenya can meet the integrity standards expected of a global championship.
The country has previously hosted major international athletics events, including the World Under-18 Championships in 2017 and the World Under-20 Championships in 2021. Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium is also undergoing renovations ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
For now, however, the historic part is undeniable.
Nairobi has won the right to host the world’s biggest athletics championship on African soil for the first time.
And while Kenya celebrates a landmark victory, the reaction from Britain has ensured that the country’s doping record will remain part of the conversation long before the first athlete takes to the track in Nairobi in 2029.
