Top drivers from the World Rally Championship (WRC) are set to grace the official launch of the Kenya Rally School, coinciding with the Loldia Shakedown event in Naivasha on March 27.
The launch of the Rally School, which will be open to the public, will follow immediately after the 5km Ndulele Shakedown Stage. Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba announced that the Rally School is among the Ministry’s Legacy Projects aimed at nurturing the next generation of Kenyan rally drivers.
Speaking at Talanta Hela during the unveiling ceremony of the new Safari Rally Project CEO, Mr. Charles Gacheru, and his team, Namwamba revealed ongoing discussions with WRC Promoter to unveil the school soon after the shakedown event. Shakedown, a pre-race activity, allows teams to prepare their engines and shake off any cobwebs before the main event.
Namwamba stated, “We commence a deliberate countdown of 27 days to the Ndulele Shakedown, where fans will witness the first appearance of WRC Rally 1 Hybrid machines. Our focus is now on delivering a world-class rally event, and all hands are on deck.”
The CS emphasized the importance of the Rally School, highlighting its significance as a key legacy project of the government. President William Samoei Ruto had announced its introduction during the Launch of Talanta Hela on June 9, emphasizing its role in discovering young rally talents.
Namwamba urged the new Safari Rally Project team, led by Charles Gacheru, to work together with transparency and accountability. Congratulating Gacheru on his appointment, Namwamba expressed confidence in his ability to bring a wealth of experience in sports management to the role.
He emphasized the need to groom talents through the rally academy to revitalize the sport, reminiscent of Kenya’s rallying legends like Patrick Njiru, Shekhar Mehta, and Joginder Singh.
Vivo Energy will serve as the official lubricants and fuel partner of the Kenya Rally School, further enhancing the event’s support network.
Principal Secretary Peter Tum outlined plans for a leaner secretariat, aimed at revitalizing the administration process for a successful World Rally Championship event in Naivasha.
The rally event will kick off on March 28, followed by the Kasarani SSS (Super Special Stage), offering Nairobi fans a thrilling opportunity to witness the cars in action.
