DP Rigathi Gachagua, CSs Kipchumba Murkomen (Transport) and Ababu Namwamba (Sports), and WRC drivers during the flag-off at Uhuru Park on June 22, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Thursday flagged off the 2023 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally at Uhuru Park, Nairobi.

The event which has attracted some thirty-four (34) drivers is taking place from June 22 to 25 in Naivasha, Nakuru County.

DP Rigathi Gachagua and Sports CS Ababu Namwamba pose for a photo with WRC drivers during the flag-off at Uhuru Park, Nairobi, on June 22, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony, the DP said that the government is committed to keeping the rally running annually and has voted in a considerable sum of money for next year's race.

"I, on behalf of the president, reinstate the government's commitment to keeping the rally on the global championship calendar through financial and technical support for it to remain the toughest and most exciting round of the WRC," said Gachagua.

Acrobats wow guests during WRC lag off at Uhuru Park, Nairobi, on June 22, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

The government has this year sponsored five women crews including three young Kenyans to take part in the mainly male-dominated sport.

The flag-off took place at Uhuru Park as it is easily accessible to most fans, according to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.

A dance troupe entertains guests during WRC lag off at Uhuru Park, Nairobi, on June 22, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

The rally cars drove down to the Super Special Stage (SSS) at Kasarani.

All cars then left Kasarani through Muthaiga, Runda, and Limuru routes to join the Nairobi-Nakuru highway then drive down to Naivasha for the main event.