The untimely death of rally driver Riyaz Kurji during the Pearl of Africa Rally in Kampala last weekend was unfortunate, but it should be an eye opener for rally safety.
The incident could have occurred in Uganda, but it is just a stone throw away from Kenya and organisation could be more or less the same as ours.
Safety precaution is one reason FIA scrapped Safari Rally out of the World Rally Championships and local organisers should not wait for disaster to occur to take action.
Organisation of the Embu leg of last season’s Kenya National Rally Championships was below standards and it was only by God’s grace that it ended without any major incidences.
The roads were narrow, human traffic and cars were on the roads where the blistering machines cruise at high speed. Clerks should do a thorough job before the event and advise the organisers of any disadvantages or risks on some routes. In this way, we may be able to avert unnecessary tragedies.
Not only are the drivers at risk, but also fans who turn out in large numbers during such events, especially at the spectator stages. Fans should also instill discipline and observe rules at the venues.
