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Aakif Virani is the 2021 Kenya Motosports Personality of the Year.

The unheralded Division One driver was sensationally declared winner in the 58th edition of Kenya Motor Sports Federation awards at the Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani, on Saturday night.

Virani who was feted in absentia thanked the council for voting for him and vowed to use his newfound stature to help young drivers.

“I am happy and appreciate the honour. I want to thank all that voted and I will definitely be out there helping out with driver development and community work. This was unexpected but I am excited all the same,” said Akif who was represented by his navigator Azhar Bhatti.

‘Rigged affair’

But drivers who spoke to People Sport in confidence were upset by the decision with one claiming it was a “rigged” affair. Another top-ranking driver urged for fairness and openness in the process, claiming the unsatisfactory move would dent the image of motorsport in the country.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed was the chief guest in a well attended event that feted a total of 35 drivers across eight categories and 29 sub-categories.

Amina was full of praise for the Kenya Motorsport Federation for a stellar 2021 despite challenges from Covid-19 pandemic.

“I am thrilled with the world KMSF under the leadership of Phineas Kimathi has achieved this year. Drivers represented Kenya highly in various events and that is a good achievement. We witnessed the Safari Rally which was reintroduced in the country after 20 years,being the most watched event of the World Rally Championship in 2021. I want to reiterate Government support this year so that we continue to make bigger strides,” she said.

On his part, KMSF Chairman Phineas Kimathi thanked the cooperation between the federation, teams and sponsors and the government for an enabling environment for motorsport.

“This year we expect bigger things but first up will be changed to the National Competition Rules for 2022 that we have launched. To make the sport as fair as possible. Some of the highlights will include phasing out the Premier Class (Elite) and replacing it with Division One Championships. Cross Country Cars (T1 & T4) will be allowed to take part as Safari Category. We want to also empower officials with technical knowledge. I would like to sincerely thank the government and the Ministry for continued support during this year.”

Some of the winners of the evening included; Carl Tundo and Tim Jessop declared Kenya National Rally Championship overall winners. Linet Ayuko, who has had a tough 2021 due to illness, was declared Navigator of the Year. The duo of Ross Field and Quentin Savage were the overall Champions in the Kenya National Rally Raid Championship. Others were; Umang Soni clinching the 4WD Class of the Kenya National Tarmac Championship and Shane Chandaria being declared Rookie of the Year.