According to a signed deal with the International Automobile Federation, Kenya will continue to host the World Rally Championship for the following five years, according to President Uhuru Kenyatta (FIA).
The World Rally Championship’s second season was kicked off by the President on Friday at the Kenyatta International Convention Center.
His Excellency led the first 10 rally cars off, among them the Kenyan teams of McRae Kimathi, Maxine Wahome, Jeremy Wahome, and Hamza Anwar as well as the French megastars Sebastian Ogier and his co-driver Sebastien Loeb, who are making their second appearance at the venerable Kenyan event.
The rally’s patron, President Kenyatta, claimed that the sport helped the country’s economy by injecting Kshs 6 billion during the inaugural event last year.
“This rally is without a doubt historic. A record 78 million people from 150 different nations watched the rally the previous year (2021).
Additionally, the rally was very beneficial to the nation, injecting about Ksh 6 billion into our economy and benefiting every sector, including players in the hospitality and transportation sectors as well as micro, small, and medium-sized businesses in Naivasha and its neighboring towns, according to President Kenyatta.
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.
“This year’s event is anticipated to be much bigger and better. Already, it is clear that there is exhilaration and spectator enthusiasm in towns and cities all across the nation. This demonstrates the strong bond that Kenyans of all ages and regions of the nation have with this sport, the official 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.
The history of our nation, the history of sports in Kenya and East Africa, and our ambition to contrast the contemporary world with our natural beauty are all connected to this famous event, 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.
The Safari Rally is one of the World Rally Championship series’ toughest rallies, with a spectacular circuit that takes drivers into Kenya’s undulating wilderness and in close proximity to our diverse animals.
“Generations of Kenyans have been motivated to strive for unmatched greatness by the Safari Rally. Through our shared love of excellence, tenacity, and success over the odds, it is an event that unites Kenyans from all walks of life, he said.
President Kenyatta said 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.
In fact, he stated, “it emphasizes a vital idea that we need to appreciate; how we run the race is more essential than the result as a ‘win by all means necessary’ runs counter to our principles.”
Sports, Culture, and Tradition After 19 years, CS Amina Mohamed praised President Kenyatta for making sure that Kenya hosted the international event once again.
CS Amina emphasized that his perseverance and dedication had paid off, allowing the nation to host the event without interruption for the following five years.
There is absolutely no doubt in anyone’s mind today that the promise you made to Kenyans in 2013 and kept has not only been kept for the term of your presidency but will also be kept through 2026, according to CS Amina.
Mohammed bin Sulayem, president of the Federation International de I’Automobile, emphasized the importance of promoting regional contests for the success of the sport.
“We are proud that the African rally championships is growing strong in providing a platform for not just drivers to develop new skill but also Engineers, mechanics, logistics people, and requisite,” Sulayem said.
“Regional competition success is crucial for the sport to continue to grow and to be accessible to more people.”
Other speakers at the event included Phineas Kimathi, the chairman of the Kenya Motor Sports Federation, and KCB Chairman Andrew Wambare Kairu.