Kenya’s national motocross team has been officially flagged off ahead of their journey to the 2024 FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations (MXoAN) in Marrakech, Morocco.
The team, comprising 17 riders, will compete in the prestigious continental event, scheduled to take place from October 25-27 in Morocco’s fourth-largest city.
Led by multiple Kenya champion and current MX1 series leader Apollo Mbuki, the team also includes three female riders and one veteran competitor.
The squad’s participation has been made possible through the support of the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, which is covering the expenses for the team’s accommodation, airfare, bike transport, visa fees, FIM license fees, entry fees, and athlete allowances.
During the flag-off ceremony, the Motorcycle Federation of Kenya (MSFK) urged the athletes to remain optimistic and bring their full enthusiasm to the competition. MSFK President Renzo Bernardi encouraged the riders, noting the significance of their participation in the event and the opportunity to showcase their talents on the continental stage.
“I know that in the championship, you will face the cream of the continent’s best, which will undoubtedly be challenging,” Renzo said. “But I urge you all to remain optimistic and compete with full spirit. Your performances at the FIM Africa showpiece will draw attention from across the continent, and above all, from the Kenyan community.”
Renzo also highlighted the rigorous selection and training process that the athletes had undergone to earn their spots on the team, expressing hope that they would achieve outstanding performances and bring pride to Kenya.
Kenya’s participation in the MXoAN is significant, as the event is regarded as the most prestigious motocross competition on the FIM Africa calendar. This year’s edition will feature riders from 18 African countries, with Kenya aiming to replicate the success of their previous performances. The team’s history at MXoAN includes a memorable showing in 2016 when the event was hosted at Nairobi’s Jamhuri track. During that edition, Mbuki, riding a Honda 250cc four-stroke bike, led a 1-2-3 podium finish in the competitive MX2 class, alongside compatriots Ngugi Waweru and Rohan Gandhi. Elias Sherman also secured the African title in the MX125 category.
For the upcoming event in Marrakech, the Kenyan team will field riders in various categories, including MX50, MX65, MX Lites, MX125, MX2, MX1, WMX, and VMX classes. Among the young talent representing Kenya in the MX50 category are speedsters Leto Tohani, Chiara Hatanga, Jeremy Hawi, Matt Kagondu, Jematia Kangogo, and Thang’a Kihungi. In the MX65 class, riders include Kigen Mutuma, Armani Amani, Dylan Hatanga, Jedd Kagondu, Lemayian Mugo, and Jayden Weru. The MX Lites class will feature Ngengi Kamau and Chemain Kangogo, while Apollo Mbuki and Atete Benzinge will compete in the MX1 category.
Fredrick Yongo, Kenya’s sole representative in the Veteran Class (VMX), will look to showcase the experience and skill that continue to drive his passion for motocross.
This year’s MXoAN promises to be a fierce contest as top African riders gather in Marrakech to compete for continental glory. Kenya’s athletes are eager to represent their nation and build on the legacy of past successes. The team will be looking to make their mark on the event, hoping for podium finishes and to fly the Kenyan flag high on one of motocross’s biggest stages.
The riders and the nation will be watching closely as the Kenyan team takes on the best of Africa in what is expected to be an action-packed weekend of motocross competition.
