Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has appointed renowned Kenyan rally driver Carl “Flash” Tundo as the new Chief Executive Officer of the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally Project, effective June 5, 2026.
The appointment was officially confirmed through Gazette Notice No. 8268, issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, solidifying Tundo’s new position.
The notice stated: ‘It is hereby announced that in accordance with Gazette Notice No. 1769 of 2024, the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports appoints CARL TUNDO as Chief Executive Officer of the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally Project and Secretary to the Oversight Team for the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally Project, effective June 5, 2026.’
Tundo, considered one of Kenya’s finest rally drivers, will additionally serve as Secretary of the Oversight Team for the WRC Safari Rally Project.
His appointment replaces Charles Gacheru, whose tenure was officially terminated by CS Mvurya under the same gazette notice.
The government manages the Safari Rally Project through the Sports Ministry, which directly operates both the secretariat and the project’s oversight team.
Tundo assumes the CEO role, bringing extensive motorsport experience, both as a driver and in administrative leadership within Kenyan rallying.
He previously led the local organizing committee of the Safari Rally, giving him direct insight into managing the event at the highest level.
Born in Nairobi in 1973, Tundo is the son of veteran rally driver Frank Tundo and has been competing for more than two decades, developing a career unmatched by many Kenyan drivers.
He has won the prestigious Safari Rally five times, claiming victories in 2004, 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2018, establishing himself as one of the event’s most successful competitors.
Tundo also made history by becoming the first and only Kenyan driver to win a round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge at the 2009 Safari Rally.
In recent years, he won the Africa Rally Championship category at the 2025 WRC Safari Rally and achieved a WRC2 podium at the 2023 Safari Rally Kenya.
His appointment comes as President William Ruto’s enthusiasm for motorsports continues to grow, particularly among Kenyan youth from all backgrounds.
The President announced that the 2026 WRC Safari Rally would be the last edition funded by public funds, with private investors taking full responsibility for organizing and financing the event from 2027 onward.
Speaking at the closing ceremony in Hell’s Gate National Park on February 24, President Ruto emphasized the rally’s tourism benefits, including full hotel occupancy across Nakuru County.