New era dawns as Motorsports Kenya Federation secures official recognition

The Motorsports Kenya Federation has officially been registered as Kenya’s National Sports Organisation for motorsport after receiving its Certificate of registration from the Sports Registrar on Tuesday.

The landmark development represents a major turning point for Kenyan motorsport after months of courtroom duels between Motorsports Kenya and Kenya Motorsports Federation (KMSF) as well as sustained calls for reforms.

There had been an ongoing courtroom battle between Motorsports Kenya KMSF over who rightfully holds the reins as the governing body of motorsport in Kenya.

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Last year, the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) ruled that KMSF had lost its legal recognition after failing to comply with the Sports Act of 2013, which required the outfit to transition from a company structure into a fully-fledged national sports organization.

The tribunal subsequently directed that Motorsports Kenya (MK), under the stewardship of interim chair and rally icon Carl “Flash” Tundo, be registered as the sport’s new official governing body.

KMSF moved to the High Court in a bid to overturn the ruling, but their appeal was thrown out on April 30 after the court found the federation lacked the proper legal standing to challenge the decision.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the newly registered Motorsports Kenya federation hailed the recognition as a victory for competitors, officials, clubs, parents, sponsors, and fans who had remained steadfast in pushing for change despite prolonged wrangles that had stalled progress within the sport.

“This is a major milestone for the sport and for everyone who has worked tirelessly to bring reform and order to motorsport governance in Kenya. It is now time to end the boardroom wrangles and join forces,” said interim General Secretary Eric Bengi.

“There is much to do — for the children in the sport, for the young drivers and competitors who deserve a proper home, and for everyone who refused to give up.”

Sports Registrar Rose Wasike congratulated the interim leadership during the issuance of the certificate and urged the federation to operate strictly within the framework of the Sports Act and its constitution.

Kenyan rally legend Tundo welcomed the development, expressing optimism over the future direction of the sport.

“Upwards and onwards. This is the beginning of rebuilding confidence, unity, and professionalism within Kenyan motorsport,” said Tundo.

Interim Treasurer Sangita Gohil said the federation is focused on establishing transparent governance structures that will benefit all stakeholders.

“We will get it right with Motorsports Kenya through transparent governance, accountability, and proper structures that benefit competitors, officials, clubs, sponsors, and most importantly the next generation coming into the sport,” said Gohil.

The federation says it now plans to work closely with the Government of Kenya and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) to accelerate sustainable growth across all disciplines of motorsport.

Among its key priorities are rebuilding institutions, restoring stakeholder confidence, strengthening grassroots talent development, improving safety and governance standards, and positioning Kenya once again as a regional powerhouse in motorsport.

Federation officials further called for unity among stakeholders, saying the sport now has an opportunity to move forward under a nationally recognised body with a clear mandate and shared vision for the future.