Motorsports Kenya officially recognized as sole governing body
In a decisive ruling on Friday, the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) officially recognized Motorsports Kenya as the country’s sole governing body for motorsports, ending years of leadership disputes. The landmark verdict simultaneously stripped the Kenya Motor Sports Federation (KMSF) of all legal recognition for failing to transition under Kenya’s Sports Act of 2013.
SDT Chairperson Bernard Murunga delivered the judgment, stating: “Motorsports Kenya has demonstrated all legal requirements for registration as a National Sports Organization.” The ruling comes after interim Motorsports Kenya officials, including renowned rally drivers Carl Tundo and Eric Bengi, challenged the Sports Registrar’s prolonged delay in processing their application, despite having 95% stakeholder support.
Tribunal findings:
– KMSF’s Illegal Status: The tribunal confirmed that KMSF lost legal standing when it failed to transition under Section 50 of the Sports Act by August 14, 2014.
– Void International Affiliation: Murunga ruled: “KMSF’s FIA affiliation became illegal in 2014…No organization can maintain international recognition without domestic legal status under Section 47 of the Sports Act.”
– Registrar’s Unlawful Conduct: The SDT condemned the Registrar’s inaction as unconstitutional, stating: “Article 47 guarantees timely administrative action – officials cannot keep applications in perpetual limbo.”
– Fresh Start Mandated: The Registrar must complete Motorsports Kenya’s registration within 30 days, with conditions including:
– Democratic elections within 90 days
– Open membership registration
– Full integration of all legitimate stakeholders
Stakeholder reaction:
Motorsports Kenya’s interim chairman praised the verdict as “a new dawn for Kenyan motorsports,” while legal experts noted that this sets a precedent for other sports federations to comply with the Sports Act. KMSF officials couldn’t be reached for immediate comment. The ruling effectively ends KMSF’s 10-year period of non-compliant operation and establishes Motorsports Kenya as the FIA’s only recognized Kenyan affiliate moving forward.
