Action starts as Kenya seeks WRC comeback

There was colour and glamour as Devolution and Planning Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa flagged off the 66th edition of the Safari Rally, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi, yesterday.

Even as the Government is aggressively pushing for the return of the famous Rally to the prestigious World Rally Championship through its WRC Safari Rally Project after 15 years in the cold, a lot is expected during the three-day event that has seen 36 entries. Kenya was stripped of its WRC status by the International Automobile Federation in 2002.

While flagging off the first five cars, Wamalwa, who was gracing the event on behalf of the Sports and Heritage CS Rashid Echesa, assured the organisers of the Government’s support as they aim to use the event to promote the tourism sector.

“I am very privileged indeed to be here to preside over the 66th Safari Rally. I want to wish all of you well and to assure you of the commitment of the Government of Kenya. This was demonstrated last year, when we had this WRC project gazette,” Wamalwa said.

“We have a standing committee that will be overseeing the event every year after it was officially launched by FIA president Jean Todt.

“As a Government, we know how important this event is. Apart from being such a colourful event, it is a great tourist attraction. There are a lot of people who come to Kenya because of this Safari Rally with hundreds of millions of people watching this event worldwide in over 150 countries.

“It showcases Kenya as not just a rallying destination but also as one of the best tourism destination in the world. We take pride in this event and we will continue working closely with our teams.”

Though challenging, WRC Promoter Managing Director Oliver Ciesla believes Kenya’s terrain is key to their WRC revival drive.