Spectator points earmarked to enhance Safari safety

BY ERICK OCHIENG’

Safety issues dominated Tuesday’s official launch of the KCB Safari Rally 2013 at the KICC.

Event Director Ben Muchemi said they have eight designated spectator points where fans can drive from Nairobi to watch the action without interfering with rally traffic.

The rally will be flagged off at the KICC arena before tacking the spectator stage at Jamhuri Park autocross track with most sections of the route based in Kajiado region.

Muchemi said Kenya Motors Sports Federation has set up a safety and medical Commission to reduce cases of road accidents and ensure that rallies are safe and enjoyable to all. One of the eight designated points can be accessed through Mombasa Road Konza City area.

Other fans can use the Kiserian Isinya Road through to Kipeto. There will be another spectator point at the Andy’s Corner in Kajiado.

“We want to avoid cases where specators’ cars go against rally traffic thereby causing a potential safety hazard to both crews and fans,” said Muchemi.

Among drivers who attended the launch were three times KNRC winner Azar Anwar, top 2WD contender Dennis Mwenda and Richard Onyoni, who is making a comeback to the Safari rallying after years in the cold.

Clerk of the course Roy McKenzie said preparations for the event are taking shape and promised competitors a good and incident-free rally.

KCB’s Director of Marketing and Communications Angela Mwirigi said the bank was glad to be the sponsor of the Safari Rally for the 11th consecutive time.

The bank’s support this year emulates Marlboro who sponsored the Safari for 11 years during the World Rally Championship days.

Newly appointed Rallies Commission Chairman of KMSF Frank Gitau said they are encouraging a ‘park and walk’ policy where spectators can park their cars in a secure position then walk into the stage and view rally proceedings.