The Motorsports scene in Kenya has recently turned chaotic, with infighting and drama between the parent body, the Kenya Motor Sports Federation (KMSF) and various clubs over leadership disputes.
People Sport can confirm that a new organisation, the Motorsports Association of Kenya, is in the process of being registered to counter the operations of the government-recognised KMSF, which currently faces significant internal strife.
At the heart of the division is interim KMSF chairman Jim Kahumbura, whose “arrogant-style management” has upset many members.
During a meeting with sports journalists at the weekend at Sarova Panafric, officials under the new umbrella body warned that it would no longer be business as usual.
Outgoing rally commission chairman Richard Onyoni divulged to journalists that they had no choice but to establish a new body to enable them to race comfortably again without limitations or barriers.
“We are not being listened to as members, and this has left us frustrated with those who are supposed to advocate for our needs as a rallying community. Indeed, KMSF has internal mechanisms for dealing with complaints, but in this case, we were referred back to our clubs.
“Our drivers, especially the young ones, feel left out. We had issues with some sanctions and suspensions, and when we brought our complaints to the Appeals Board, it resulted in trouble as the same body was dissolved.”
He continued: “We take issue with how Kahumbura has addressed our concerns in the press, and as stakeholders, we cannot remain silent. It must be clear that we are not fighting KMSF; we simply want order and inclusivity. As it stands, the sport lacks enjoyment and is extremely punitive for most participants. Nowadays, there are few entries because of these challenges.”
Rallying ace Ian Duncan lamented the incompetence of the current KMSF leadership, warning that they are dragging the sport into decline.
“In the past few weeks, we have seen multiple commissions dissolve, which is unprecedented. We have witnessed Rallies Commissioners resign en masse, along with Autocross Commissioners who also stepped down.”
“At the same time, the KNRC has now canceled two events, and the Rally Raid fraternity is also facing challenges. All this is due to boardroom politics.
One set of board directors has also been ousted because KMSF leadership under Jim Kahumbura is not working well with its members.
KMSF, as it is currently structured, has forgotten its key stakeholders: the competitors. We are not interested in politics but in rallying,” he stated in a statement under the Kenya Motorsports competitors umbrella.
