Cheche Ababu, the son of former Sports Cabinet Secretary and current Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Nairobi, Ababu Namwamba, is set to make a name for himself in the world of international motorsport.
The young racing prodigy has officially been selected to participate in the Motorsport UK Junior Rallycross Championship, marking his entry into global rally racing.
Cheche will be racing next weekend at the Pembrey Circuit in Wales, which hosts a round of the prestigious 5 Nations British Rallycross Championship. His inclusion in this high-profile event puts him among elite young drivers from around the world.
He has been recruited by the renowned Peter Gwynne Motorsport (PGM) Team, a group that has previously developed top talents like Norway’s Ole Henry Steinsholt and Latvia’s Roberts Vitols—both of whom made their mark in the same Junior Championship series.
Speaking about the opportunity, Cheche couldn’t hide his excitement and appreciation:
“I’m really thrilled to be making my debut in international rallycross, especially in the UK, which is home to so many great motorsport events. It’s a big step forward for me, and I’m eager to test my abilities against some of the best young drivers globally,” he said.
“I truly appreciate the support from my family, friends, and everyone who has believed in me. I want to represent Kenya with pride and make my country proud.”
Following the announcement, Kenyans from all walks of life flooded social media with congratulatory messages. His father, Ababu Namwamba, also took time to publicly celebrate his son’s major milestone, describing it as a proud moment for both the family and the country.
The Motorsport UK Junior Rallycross Championship is considered a vital launchpad for aspiring rally drivers between the ages of 14 and 17. It serves as a training ground for young talent, helping them gain experience and exposure as they climb the ranks in competitive motorsport.
At only 14 years old, Cheche is already a standout figure in the Kenyan racing scene. He holds the title of double champion in the Kenya National Cadet Junior Buggy class, excelling in both rallycross and autocross disciplines. He began his motorsport journey at just five years old, starting with GP karting.
By the age of 12, Cheche had already moved up to competitive buggy racing. His talent gained global recognition in March 2025 when the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) handpicked him to debut the innovative CrossCar—a youth-focused rally vehicle meant to encourage young racers worldwide.
Cheche got the honor of driving the CrossCar during the opening stage of the 2025 WRC Safari Rally at the Kasarani Super Special Stage in Nairobi, an event watched by thousands of fans and international spectators.
He has often cited Belgian rally champion Thierry Neuville, the reigning World Rally Championship (WRC) titleholder, as his motorsport hero and source of inspiration.
If Cheche continues to perform at this level, he could soon join the ranks of Kenya’s top motorsport legends, including Shivam Vinayak, Maxine Wahome, McRae Kimathi, Jeremy Wahome, Ian Duncan, Carl Tundo, Joginder Singh, and Shekhar Mehta—icons who have proudly flown Kenya’s flag on international tracks.
Cheche’s journey is a powerful example of how talent, passion, and determination—when combined with the right support—can put young Kenyans on the world stage.
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