By GPC Sports Desk
The government has held talks with the Motorsport Kenya Federation (MK-F) on the future of motorsport in the country, including the revival of national competition, youth development and preparations for the 2027 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally.
The discussions were held on Tuesday at Talanta Plaza in Nairobi between MK-F and Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya and Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi.
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Representing MK-F were its Vice President and WRC CEO Carl Tundo, Secretary General Eric Bengi and Chairman of the Motorsports Council Mindo Gatimu.
The meeting focused on progress in rebuilding Kenyan motorsport, with particular attention to grassroots development, youth participation, the national championship structure and Kenya’s continued position as a leading motorsport destination in Africa.
The Cabinet Secretary and Principal Secretary said they had been receiving updates on MK-F’s grassroots and youth development programmes, particularly through the Autocross Championship, which has provided an entry point for young drivers and aspiring competitors into organised motorsport.
The government representatives also expressed interest in seeing the National Rally Championship revived and strengthened to create a clear pathway for Kenyan drivers, teams and officials to progress from grassroots competition to the highest levels of national and international motorsport.
Tundo thanked the government, particularly Mvurya and Mwangi, for its continued support towards the revival of the sport.
“We would like to thank the Government, the Cabinet Secretary and the Principal Secretary for their continued support and commitment towards seeing motorsport regain its place in Kenya. There is a lot of work to be done, but we believe that with the right structure, investment and cooperation, we can rebuild the sport from the grassroots upwards.”
Tundo said MK-F was committed to working with the government and other stakeholders to implement plans already put in place to rebuild Kenyan motorsport.
The Federation said its objective extends beyond reviving the sport domestically to restoring Kenya’s position as a motorsport leader in the region and on the international stage, while creating opportunities for young Kenyans to participate, compete and build careers in the sport.
Focus on Safari Rally
The meeting also focused on the upcoming WRC Safari Rally, with the Principal Secretary confirming the government’s preparations for the next edition of the iconic Kenyan event scheduled for March 2027.
The Safari Rally remains one of Kenya’s major international sporting events and a platform for showcasing the country’s sporting, tourism and commercial potential to a global audience.
The 2026 Safari Rally was Round 3 of the FIA World Rally Championship and was held from March 12 to 15.
MK-F said the continued success of the Safari Rally should go hand in hand with the development of national and grassroots motorsport so that the benefits of international competition reach Kenyan competitors, officials, teams and young people across the country.
From Kasarani to the next generation
The Federation’s grassroots focus will be on display this weekend when the Shell Autocross and Autocross Plus Championship returns to the Kasarani Sports Complex SSS Grounds on October 10 and 11, 2026.
The event has particular significance for Kenyan motorsport because Kasarani has historically been associated with the Safari Rally, including the former Kasarani Super Special stage.
The 2026 WRC Safari Rally, however, moved to a Naivasha-only itinerary, with the Kasarani Super Special removed from this year’s route.
The venue will nonetheless once again host rally cars, drivers, crews and motorsport fans through the national grassroots championship.
The Autocross Championship has become an important platform for introducing young competitors to motorsport and developing the next generation of Kenyan drivers.
MK-F said the future of Kenyan motorsport must be built from the grassroots while maintaining a strong connection to the international stage.
As Kenya prepares for another WRC Safari Rally in March 2027, the Federation said its focus would remain on building a sustainable motorsport structure that gives Kenyan talent an opportunity to progress from local competition to national championships and ultimately international competition.
