Kenya To Host WRC Safari Rally Upto 2026; Says President Uhuru

According to the signed deal with the International Automobile Federation, President Uhuru Kenyatta has declared that Kenya will continue to host the World Rally Championship for the following five years (FIA).

The World Rally Championship’s second season was officially kicked off by the President on Thursday at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).

the French megastars Sebastian Ogier and his namesake Sebastien Loeb, who are gracing the legendary Kenyan fixture for the second time, and the Kenyan teams of McRae Kimathi, Maxine Wahome, Jeremy Wahome, and Hamza Anwar. President Kenyatta waved off the first ten rally cars.

The Head of State, who also serves as the rally’s patron, claimed that the sport helped the county’s economy by bringing in Ksh.6 billion during the inaugural event.

“The historic nature of this rally is undeniable. Last year (2021), a record of 78 million people in 150 countries watched the rally. In addition, the rally was of great benefit to the country, injecting approximately Ksh.6 billion in our economy, with every sector sharing in the pie, including: players in the hospitality and transport sectors as well as micro, small and medium enterprises in Naivasha and its surrounding towns,” President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State expressed confidence that the event would be bigger and draw more spectators from around the world this year, promoting Kenya as a desirable investment location.

“We expect that this year’s event will be bigger and even better. Already, the enthusiasm by spectators and the euphoria in cities and towns across the country is unmistakable. This is a clear indication of the close connection that Kenyans of all ages and from different parts of the country have with this sport,” he said.

The Safari Rally holds a special place in the nation’s national heritage because it tells the story of the country’s rich cultural tapestry, the friendliness of its people, and the diversity of its splendor. He thanked FIA, the World Rally Championship team, and all stakeholders for organizing the successful event.

“It is an iconic event tied to the history of our country, to the history of sports in Kenya and East Africa and to our determination to juxtapose the modern world with our natural beauty,” he said.

President Kenyatta said the racing is a perfect blend of human and machine and that Kenya’s Safari Rally is one of the toughest in the world. He added that it draws millions of fans and aficionados worldwide.

“Indeed, the Safari Rally is one of the toughest rallies in the World Rally Championship series, with a remarkable course that takes drivers into Kenya’s undulated wild and in close view of our diverse wildlife.

“The Safari Rally has inspired many generations of Kenyans to dream of achieving unparalleled excellence. It is an event that unifies Kenyans of all walks of life, through our shared love of excellence, determination, and triumph against the odds,” he said.

President Kenyatta stated that the event is a reminder to the nation that competition is not enmity and that all Kenyans should understand that they can compete against each other but accept the outcome with dignity and grace. This year’s Safari Rally is taking place at the height of political campaigns in the nation.

“Indeed, it underscores a key principle that we need to cherish; how we run the race is more important than the result since a ‘win by any means necessary’ runs contrary to our values,” he said.

Culture, Sports, and Heritage CS Amina Mohamed congratulated President Kenyatta for making sure that, after 19 years, the international event returned to Kenya.The country will host the event without interruption for the following five years, according to CS Amina, who said that his perseverance and dedication have paid off.

“Most importantly is the promise that you made to Kenyans since 2013 that you have kept, today there is absolutely no doubt in any one’s mind that that promise has not only been kept for the duration of your Presidency but your are keeping it until 2026,” said CS Amina.