By OPCS
London – Kenya’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Amb. Maurice Makoloo, has lauded its successful bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships in Nairobi.
Amb. Makoloo strongly rejected claims that Kenya is a “doping country”, defending the country’s record in athletics.
Amb. Makoloo was responding to comments by British sports journalist Matt Lawton, who questioned the decision to award the 2029 championships to Nairobi and referred to Kenya’s doping challenges.
Nairobi was selected by the World Athletics Council on Tuesday, becoming the first African city to host the global championships.
In a strongly worded post on X, Amb. Makoloo said it was “unjustified and incorrect” to portray Kenya as having a “massive doping problem”, arguing that such a characterisation unfairly undermines the country’s long-standing contribution to international athletics.
“Kenya has rightfully won the bid to host this event. Kenya, home to champions of sports has waited too long. It should not be denied its moment in the sun,” Amb. Makoloo said.
The envoy also used Kenya’s record in competitions hosted in the UK to challenge the suggestion that Kenyan sporting success should be viewed primarily through the lens of doping.
He pointed to Kenya’s performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where Kenyan athletes won 12 medals, as well as the country’s 22-medal haul at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Makoloo further highlighted Kenya’s remarkable record at the London Marathon, noting that Kenyan men have won the prestigious race 19 times, including the historic 2026 edition, while Kenyan women have claimed 14 victories.
He also cited the enduring world record set by Kenyan legend David Rudisha in the men’s 800 metres at the London 2012 Olympic Games, describing the mark as “clean and unbroken.”
“Indeed, Kenya has consistently helped shine light on the UK – a country with which we enjoy long historical relations,” Makoloo said.
His comments come as debate continues over Nairobi’s selection to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
World Athletics has acknowledged Kenya’s anti-doping challenges but defended the decision, saying the country has made significant improvements and that hosting the championships could further strengthen its fight against doping.
The Kenyan Government is reported to be committing Sh650 million (US$5 million) annually towards anti-doping testing and personnel.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said Nairobi presented a “compelling and emotional bid”, stressing Kenya’s deep connection with athletics and describing the decision to take the championships to Africa as historic.
Amb. Makoloo said the Nairobi victory should be viewed primarily as recognition of Kenya’s contribution to global athletics and the country’s capacity to stage major international sporting events.
“Kenya will deliver clean championships in 2029! Because that’s who we are. Capable!” he declared.
The 2029 championships are expected to be staged at the renovated Kasarani Stadium, further cementing Nairobi’s position as a major international sports and events destination.
Amb. Makoloo’s intervention also adds a diplomatic dimension to the debate, coming from Kenya’s representative in the very country whose bid Nairobi defeated.
London had mounted a strong campaign backed by significant UK Government and London authorities’ funding, but World Athletics ultimately chose Nairobi after assessing factors including financial guarantees, budgets and the growth potential of athletics.
