Uproar as KMSF award its own boss at gala
There was mixed reaction yesterday, a day after World Rally Championship Project CEO Phineas Kimathi was crowned the 2019 Kenya Motor Sports Federation Personality of the year.
Most rally enthusiasts and stakeholders felt that it was not in order for an official to be awarded instead of drivers, riders or navigators for their achievements through out the motorsport calendar.
This coming after massive efforts of returning the WRC Safari Rally Kenya to Kenya after a 17- year absence in which he took a leading role in partnership with the Government.
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His input was mentioned as the biggest feat in the motorsport fraternity this past year given his positive dalliance with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) which brought glory back to the country.
Kimathi who is also the KMSF chairman was feted in a glitzy affair at the Carnivore Restaurant, Nairobi courtesy of sponsors Kenya Commercial Bank.
The guest of honour during the celebrations that feted different motorsport disciplines was KCB Group Marketing and Communications Director Angela Mwirigi accompanied by Sports Ministry Chief Administrative Secretary Hassan Noor Hassan.
“I am humbled by this award. It has certainly come as a pleasant surprise and I wish to dedicate it to my family, the WRC Safari Rally Project and the KMSF Board for their support to ensure we got the Safari back.
I have travelled to more than 30 countries trying to lobby for the event and I am glad that the effort has come to fruition,” said Kimathi at the event.
KCB who are title sponsors of the Kenya National Rally Championships and Autocross Championship confirmed that they would be renewing their sponsorship for 2020.
