CS Amina Mohamed: We are discussing the possible postponement of Safari Rally

Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Ambassador Amina Mohamed has weighed in on the fate of the World Rally Championship (WRC) set for July in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

During an interview with NTV on Saturday, CS Mohamed hinted that a possible postponement of the WRC round in Kenya could be inevitable.

The Sports CS pointed out that her Ministry is also in discussions with relevant stakeholders to try and find ways to cushion athletes against financial losses brought about by the pandemic.

 “We are still discussing the possible postponement of the Safari Rally and when we have new dates, then we shall agree on the way forward,” said CS Mohamed.

The CS further asked sports personalities in the country to continue being good examples and also train as the world tries to fight the virus that has brought sporting events to a standstill.

“They should continue training because when they stop training is when they are lured into various vices,” she stated.

Safari Rally CEO Phineas Kimathi pointed out they would know WRC’S fate by April 17th.

“Even if we eventually have the situation in Kenya under control, what happens to where they (drivers, officials, fans and rally teams) are coming from? If the situation doesn’t improve soon, especially in Europe, then a postponement can be on the cards. But we shall know this for sure by April 17,” said Kimathi.

Kenya Safari Rally CEO Phineas Kimathi and member of the International Automobile Foundation World Rally Championship (FIA WRC) commission. [David Gichuru, Standard]

International Automobile Federation

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) announced on Saturday it is closely monitoring the evolving situation (Covid-19) with its Member Clubs and relevant authorities including Governments and WHO, under the direction of FIA Medical Commission President, Professor Gérard Saillant.

The FIA will evaluate the calendar of its forthcoming races and, if necessary, take any action required to help protect the global motorsport community and the wider public.

Currently, FIA has put on hold four rounds of the WRC with only three – in Monte Carlo, Sweden and Mexico – having been run in the 2020 calendar.

Kenya was readmitted to WRC in September last year following the inclusion of Safari Rally in the WRC 2020 calendar.

The 2020 calendar, comprised 14 rounds and Kenya was to host the event from July 19, 2020.

Multiple Safari Rally winner Joginder Singh in a Volvo PV544. [File, Standard]

History

The Safari Rally as it is known today was first held in Kenya in 1953 to commemorate the coronation of Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

It started as the East African Safari Rally traversing the three East African countries of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

The Rally developed to become the toughest Rally in the world and was regarded as a true test of man and machine.

In 1973, the Safari was admitted to the prestigious FIA World Rally Championship held within boundaries of Kenya.

The Safari Rally continued to enjoy International Automobile Federation World Rally Championship status until the year 2002 when the event was dropped from the World Rally Championship and relegated to the African Rally Championship (ARC).

Ian Duncan, Patrick Njiru, Jonathan Moi, Vic Preston Jnr, Frank Tundo are some of the local names that used to give to give the big European boys a run for their money.