Kenya's Motorsport Renaissance: Government and MKF Unveil Plans for Grassroots Growth and WRC Revival

Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Salim Mvurya, convened a high-level meeting with the Motorsport Kenya Federation (MK-F) to outline strategies for revitalizing motorsport, focusing on grassroots development and the future of the WRC Safari Rally.

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Nyakundi Report

Newsroom 2 min read

Primary source KBC

Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Salim Mvurya, convened a high-level meeting with the Motorsport Kenya Federation (MK-F) to outline strategies for revitalizing motorsport, focusing on grassroots development and the future of the WRC Safari Rally. The session, held at Talanta Plaza, included MK-F Vice President and WRC CEO Carl Tundo, Secretary General Eric Bengi, and Motorsports Council Chairman Mindo Gatimu. Discussions centered on rebuilding national motorsport infrastructure, expanding youth participation, and strengthening the National Rally Championship to create pathways for Kenyan drivers to compete internationally. Government representatives emphasized their commitment to supporting grassroots initiatives, particularly the Autocross Championship, which has become a critical entry point for young competitors into organized motorsport. Tundo praised the government’s

and PS Elijah Mwangi for their backing, stating,

The Federation reiterated its goal to restore Kenya’s status as a regional motorsport leader while ensuring grassroots programs provide sustainable career opportunities for Kenyan athletes. The meeting also confirmed the government’s preparations for the 2027 WRC Safari Rally, an event critical to Kenya’s sporting and tourism profile. The 2026 rally, held March 12–15, marked Round 3 of the FIA World Rally Championship, with this year’s edition shifting to a Naivasha-only route, excluding the historic Kasarani Super Special stage. This weekend, the Shell Autocross and Autocross Plus Championship will return to Kasarani Sports Complex, highlighting the venue’s legacy tied to the Safari Rally. The event, scheduled for October 10–11, 2026, underscores MK-F’s emphasis on grassroots development, despite the 2026 rally’s route changes. Tundo stressed that international success must align with national growth, ensuring Kenyan teams and drivers benefit from global exposure. The Federation’s strategy prioritizes a

from local competitions to international stages, with the 2027 Safari Rally serving as a pivotal milestone in this vision. Government and MK-F officials acknowledged the need for structured investment and collaboration to sustain progress. The Autocross Championship’s role in nurturing talent remains central to this effort, as the sport balances its historic ties to the Safari Rally with modernization. With the 2027 event approaching, MK-F aims to solidify Kenya’s dual identity as a motorsport destination and a breeding ground for regional and global competitors. The upcoming Kasarani event will serve as a microcosm of this ambition, blending heritage with innovation to redefine Kenya’s motorsport future.

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