FIA gives Sh8m to local sport
Aziz Tejpar powers his Ford Escort during the 2009 KQ Classic Rally. FIA has pledged about Sh8m to Kenya for the development of motorsport. Photo/ANWAR SIDI
FIA has pledged about Sh8 million to Kenya for the development of motorsport.
“A total of 60,000 euros (about Sh8 million) has been allocated to the Kenya Motor Sports Federation(KMSF) for the training of officials and other activities,” the world motorsport governing body’s Africa representative, Surinder Thatthi, disclosed this when he spoke exclusively to the Nation on Monday. He said 23,000 euros (about Sh3 million) have already been released, adding that the balance “will come as soon as we are able to prove that the funds are properly used,”
Thatthi said despite there being no time limit, the money should be utilised as soon as possible for favourable consideration of future applications. KMSF has allayed fears of mismanagement, assuring all players that funds would be properly utilised.
Commissions undergo positive changes
The funds come at a time when the national motorsport governing body is initiating positive changes following its recent Annual General Meeting.
Several commissions have seen changes or given the chance to choose leaders in order to strengthen accountability.
Ian Duncan steps down as leader of the Cross Country Raid Rally Commission when his term expires at the end of the season, having steered the 4x4 championship into one of the fastest growing in the country.
Renowned cross country raid rally driver Simon Sharpe is among the leading candidates to take over from the former Safari Rally winner.
Autocross will be under Anthony Colin while former national motocross champion Anthony Nielsen heads Motorcycle and Rob Colinge the Karting Commission.
Rallies Commission will also see a major change as Ashok Bhalla’s term comes to an end in December.
In an unprecedented move, KMSF has given the chance to Kenya Rally Drivers Association members to nominate the head of Rallies, which is regarded as one of the most important arms of the institution.
KMSF also appointed veteran navigator Abdul Sidi, Ann Troughton and Chris Eden, the man behind the Watspot system, to be responsible for training rally officials.
