Kenya is preparing to take its next step on the continental motorsport stage, with three young drivers selected to represent the country at the inaugural Pan-African karting event in Angola from October 10 to 11.
Sean Njumbi, Jesse Murithii and Myles Angoya Imbayi will compete at the Santos Pêras Karting Circuit in Benguela Province, marking an important opportunity for Kenyan karting to gain experience against competitors from across Africa.
Njumbi will compete in the Junior Rotax category, while Murithii and Imbayi will represent Kenya in the Senior Max division. Their participation places the spotlight on a new generation of drivers developing their skills through grassroots motorsport.
Beyond the race track
The event is significant not only for the competition but also for its potential to strengthen karting across Africa. The initiative brings together drivers, national sporting authorities, officials, teams and other stakeholders, with a broader focus on technical development, driver training and cooperation between countries.
According to the FIA, the Angola event brings together drivers selected through their respective National Sporting Authorities and forms part of efforts to create more structured opportunities for young African motorsport talent. It also provides a platform for discussions about the future development of karting on the continent.
For Kenya, participation offers a chance to build international experience, strengthen regional relationships and raise the profile of a discipline that serves as an entry point into competitive circuit racing.
Support behind the Kenyan team
The Kenyan delegation has received support ahead of its trip. Head of Delegation Norris Ongalo acknowledged Kenya Airways for providing flight tickets, following engagement involving WRC Safari Rally Kenya CEO Carl Tundo. The team also received support from the Motorsports Kenya Federation, while FIA representative Maina Muturi provided Kenyan-branded team kits.
The support highlights the role that institutions, sponsors and motorsport stakeholders can play in helping emerging drivers access opportunities beyond national competition.
Building a pathway for African drivers
The Angola gathering is also expected to feature parent orientations, media training for young drivers and stakeholder sessions. These activities reflect the wider needs of developing motorsport: talent must be supported not only through competition, but also through training, exposure and stronger development structures.
The FIA has identified youth development and regional cooperation as important priorities, with ambitions to involve more countries, including Kenya and its East African neighbours.
For the three Kenyan drivers, the immediate task is to represent their country on track. For the sport locally, the larger opportunity is to turn this experience into a stronger pathway for the next generation.
As African karting continues to build connections across national borders, Kenya’s participation in Angola provides an opportunity to showcase its emerging talent and contribute to the development of a more connected continental motorsport community.
