Kenya’s first steward to officiate at a World Rally Championship event outside the Safari Rally, Tuta Mionki, says her experience at last weekend’s Rally Estonia provided invaluable lessons that she hopes will help raise officiating standards back home.
Mionki described the appointment as both humbling and rewarding as she worked alongside some of the sport’s most experienced officials. “It is a great opportunity. I feel very blessed to be here,” Mionki said.
She explained that a steward plays a judicial role during a rally, ensuring competitors adhere to the regulations and that the event is conducted fairly.
“A steward is basically a judge. Our work is to enforce event regulations, handle protests, apply penalties for violations of the regulations and ensure fairness,” she said.
Having previously experienced rallying as both a fan and competitor, Mionki admitted that serving on the other side of the sport had given her a fresh perspective.
“I have been a motorsport fan and competitor, and being on this other side is amazing so far. This is the highest level of rallying and working with very experienced professionals can only make me better.”
She said each day at Rally Estonia presented new challenges and learning opportunities that she intends to apply in Kenya and the region.
“It’s been amazing so far. There’s something new to learn each day and from every situation that arises. I will definitely come back home with more knowledge that I hope to share in my other roles in the country and within the African region.”
Mionki hopes her breakthrough will encourage more Kenyans to pursue careers in international motorsport officiating.
“I hope that we can get more Kenyans, both male and female, officiating at this level. We already have another Kenyan lady on the stewards’ pathway.”
She believes the WRC Safari Rally has played a key role in preparing Kenyan officials for opportunities on the global stage.
“We are lucky to have the WRC Safari, which raised standards for officials in different capacities. Hopefully we can all pass that over to the ones who come after us,” she said.
