Famous foreign drivers arrive for East Africa Safari

The arrival of foreign drivers to this year’s East African Safari Classic Rally has proved Kenya’s ability, prowess and readiness to host World Rally Championships, said Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed.

The CS said Kenya has structures, comprehensive protocols and safety measures that have instilled confidence in Federation of International Automobile Association (FIA) on Kenya’s ability to host Africa and global championships.

As a result, she said, Kenya has been nominated to host the 2022 WRC Safari Rally Championships besides a host of other international championships, which include Ladies’ European Golf Tour (LET) at Vipingo Golf Club, Africa Rally Championships (ARC) Equator Rally, Nairobi City Marathon and Continental Tours.

“We have the sophisticated approach and complete structures with proper protocols and safety measures that have seen Kenya get the nod to host international championships,” Amina told Standard Sports yesterday after flagging off the 10th edition of East Africa Safari Rally Classic, at Kenya Wildlife Service Training Institute, in Naivasha.

A total of 50 foreign drivers and co-drivers are competing in this year’s rally. Other officials present during the flag off were Kenya Motorsports Federation President Phineas Kimathi, Standard Group Chief Executive Officer Orlando Lyomu and board member Juliana Rotich.

The Sports Cabinet Secretary said they had put in place advanced measures to start a Motorsports Academy at Kasarani. 

“These are measures that should see the country begin to train young drivers,” added the CS.

Standard Group PLC CEO Orlando Lyomu said since sports is integral to the society, their support in the multi-trillion-industry is automatic and bound to continue.

“Our committment is to support sports and see its growth for a win-win situation and that will also see us build and grown our brands,” Orlando told Standard Sports.

Kenya Motorsports Federation President Phineas Kimanthi said the event will be good for local drivers in readiness for the WRC Safari Rally in June.

“Finishing the event is an added advantage for local drivers as they prepare for the WRC Safari Rally coming later in the year,” he said.