Motorsports Kenya (MK) officials/ HANDOUTMotorsport Kenya (MK) has wasted no time rolling out its talent development blueprint, signalling an aggressive push to rebuild Kenyan motorsport from the grassroots up.
Barely days after securing official registration as the country’s new national motorsport governing body, the federation is already steering one of the fastest-growing grassroots competitions, the 2026 Shell Kenya National Autocross and Autocross Plus Championship at Stoni Athi Resort over the weekend.
The showdown, organised by 254 Motorsports Club, attracted more than 45 entries.
Central to that strategy is the newly introduced Autocross Plus category, a progressive sprint-rally platform designed to bridge the gap between grassroots competition and full-scale rallying.
Structured as a sprint rally format for drivers seeking progression into full rally competition, the discipline features competitive stage distances ranging from 15 to 50 kilometres, long enough to test endurance and racecraft, yet accessible enough for newcomers still developing their skills.
“The Autocross Plus is structured to prepare competitors for proper rallying in a safer, affordable and progressive format,” sporting commission chairman Mindo Gatimu said.
“It gives drivers experience of rally-stage competition while helping them develop discipline, pace notes, endurance and racecraft.”
Gatimu confirmed that the Autocross Plus category attracted 20 competitors, while Sunday’s main autocross event drew more than 40 entries, including an impressive 15 drivers aged under 18 years.
The federation believes sustainable growth will hinge on affordable entry pathways, strong governance, improved safety standards and empowering clubs to nurture emerging talent.
“The federation believes that for motorsport disciplines to truly thrive, we must first build strong foundations at the grassroots level,” he noted.
“That means investing in youth, empowering clubs, improving safety standards, creating transparent systems and making the sport accessible again. Once those structures are properly in place, sponsors will naturally regain confidence in the sport.”
