Kenya’s Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, proudly flagged off the 70th edition of the WRC Safari Rally at Uhuru Park on Thursday.
The rally kicked off with an exhilarating super special stage at Kasarani before the real action commences in Naivasha on Friday.
President William Ruto, who attended the shakedown in Naivasha on Wednesday, is expected to join the final stage on Sunday to honour the deserving winners.
Phineas Kimathi, the CEO of Safari Rally, expressed the country’s joy in welcoming the world once again for this highly successful event, which made a triumphant return to the World Rally Championship calendar two years ago.
Gachagua emphasized the rally’s significance in showcasing Kenya’s diverse tourist attractions and cultural heritage while making a substantial contribution of approximately KSH 6 billion to the Kenyan economy through the rally ecosystem.
He stated, “The WRC Safari Rally offers a perfect blend of challenging terrains that push drivers to display their utmost skills in manoeuvring through various demanding sections along the rally routes.”
Toyota’s eight-time world champion, Sebastien Ogier, emerged victorious in the 2021 event, followed by the talented youngster Kalle Rovanpera last year.
The presence of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Sports CS Ababu Namwamba, and Roads and Transport counterpart Kipchumba Murkomen added to the grandeur of the occasion.
Also gracing the event was Miss World Kenya Chantou Kwamboka.
Carl “Flash” Tundo, the 2018 Safari Rally winner when it was part of the Africa Rally Championship, set off as the first participant in his Skoda Fabia, closely followed by reigning Kenyan champion Karan Patel in a Ford Fiesta.
As the anticipation reaches its peak, the motorsport world is bracing itself for an adrenaline-fueled spectacle as the WRC Safari Rally roars to life tomorrow.
The roaring engines, the screeching tires, and the awe-inspiring skills of the drivers will create a thrilling atmosphere that is bound to keep spectators on the edge of their seats.
The WRC Safari Rally promises heart-stopping moments, fierce rivalries, and unexpected twists that will leave fans spellbound. Buckle up and prepare for an unforgettable journey into the world of high-octane rallying, where every second counts and the quest for victory knows no limits.
