Kenya Vision 2030 faces backlash over comments on Masinga TT race

Masinga TT, an annual motorsport event held at the Masinga Dam, was held on Saturday, October 19, attracting thousands of car enthusiasts and fun lovers as owners of all manner of supercars thronged to showcase their dazzling motor prowess. 

Four days later, Kenya Vision 2030 took to their account to celebrate the success of the 2024 edition of Masinga TT, terming it a 'thrilling time trial and gymkhana race'.

They went on to share several images captured at the event, saying Vision 2030 prides itself in harnessing talent and 'empowering the youth to pursue' such activities and ways to create employment.

They wrote:  "Celebrating Sports Culture Under Kenya Vision 2030. This past weekend, the Masinga Airstrip came to life with yet another successful edition of the Masinga TT—a thrilling Time Trial and Gymkhana race that brought together motorsports enthusiasts from East Africa."

"The event provided a controlled and safe environment for both young and young-at-heart competitors to showcase their skills and passion for motorsports."

They added: "By harnessing talent through such events, we empower them to pursue meaningful employment and nurture their sporting aspirations. This aligns with our commitment to promoting sports culture & the arts as essential components of the Social Pillar of Kenya Vision 2030."

However, their tweet was met with widespread condemnation and disapproval from not just some of the organisers but also participants in the motorsport activity, with many blasting Vision 2030 for attempting to include themselves in a conversation they were never a part of, to begin with.

Many who interacted with the tweet told them off, firmly asking the body to stay off any conversation surrounding Masinga TT as they had not only not sponsored it but had also not been a part of it over the last several years the gala has existed.

"Wakora sana nyinyi!" someone wrote. "This has nothing to do with you! How are you now trying to steal credit and fool Kenyans? Everyone knows the organisers of this event and you are definitely not a part of them! Delete this!"

Another Masinga TT enthusiast wrote, "Trying to reap where you never sow is a nasty business. What kind of rubbish is this? How was your presence felt? This is a new low, even for you."

Quoting famous US rapper Kendrick Lamar, another displeased Kenyan simply wrote, "You are not like us!"

On his part, Elvis Mwanzia said, "Government taking credit of a privately organized event. Meanwhile, they steal funds meant for sports in the country. The sports industry is in shambles. We need to bring back shame."

One of the event's main organisers told Citizen Digital that the Masinga TT management did not mind the tweet from Kenya Vision 2030, adding that, to them, it felt like validation and appreciation for which they were grateful.

"As the management, we do not have an issue with the tweet per sé," Wachira told Citizen Digital. "It actually feels good that they recognised us and our efforts."

"The fact that they even noticed us and what we are doing means we are headed in the right direction. We actually appreciate the shout-out."

Wachira went on to say that, as a private event, they have been struggling with sponsorship and this may help win more sponsors for future events.

"Our sponsors have been dwindling each year. We've really been struggling. We hope that, because they talked about us, this may help people to notice us more and offer to sponsor us next time. We are also grateful for the conversation they've helped create around us."

During the Saturday event, Shimuli Sasaka won first place overall while the Top 3 in the Drags category were Eric Shikoli  - Golf MK7R (11.09),  Shimuli Sasaka - Golf MK7R (11.16) and Earnest Zaphnath - Audi S5 (B9).

Additionally, the Top 3 Gymkhana category were Leroy Otto - Subaru Impreza, Ishard Faham - Toyota Yaris and Javed Lota - Subaru Impreza.