ENGINES ROARING: 2026 Shell Motorsport Excellence Awards Set to Take Over Kenya
By Shadrack Mutai | NAIROBI,
Kenya’s motorsport scene is shifting gears fast. The 2026 Shell Motorsport Excellence Awards (MEA) are back, bigger, bolder, and louder, promising to deliver the most electrifying celebration of motorsport ever witnessed in East and Central Africa. Organised by 254 Motorsports Club in partnership with Motorsports Kenya, the awards have quickly evolved into more than just a glamorous night of trophies they are now the driving force behind a growing motorsport movement in the region.
After a blockbuster debut in 2025 that drew a full house of drivers, riders, teams, and industry heavyweights, the message was unmistakable: Kenyan motorsport is back and it means business.
While the spotlight shines on champions, the real story lies beneath the surface. The MEA is positioning itself as a catalyst for grassroots development, nurturing young drivers, riders, engineers, and innovators who are shaping the future of the sport. The focus is clear building a sustainable ecosystem and fast-tracking the next generation of talent.
Corporate Kenya is taking notice. Title sponsor Vivo Energy has thrown its full weight behind the initiative, with Marketing Manager Joanne Nyaga describing the awards as a game-changer in unlocking youth potential through structured platforms. Victoria Commercial Bank has also backed the initiative, citing its credibility in not only celebrating excellence but actively shaping the future of the industry. Meanwhile, Car & General, distributors of the TVS brand, have emphasized accessibility and performance, highlighting the MEA as a critical platform for nurturing competitive riders and drivers.
At the heart of it all is a bold vision. 254 Motorsports Club Chairman Sushil Gohil has made it clear that the awards are just the beginning a long-term effort to reignite motorsport in Kenya and build a youth-driven pipeline of talent.
The inaugural edition attracted over 700 attendees, and expectations for 2026 are even higher. The motorsport elite will converge at the iconic Windsor Golf and Country Club on Saturday, 28th March 2026, for what promises to be a spectacular night of speed, style, and celebration.
