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NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

Deputy President roots for Safari Rally return to global recognition

Sports

By Oscar Pilipili | Jul 06, 2013

By Oscar Pilipili

Deputy President William Ruto says the government will work with the Kenya Motorsport Foundation to ensure the Safari Rally returns to the World Rally Championships series.

Ruto said just before flagging off the 61st edition of the Safari Rally that this was part of the Jubilee government sports manifesto.

“The Jubilee government will walk with you to ensure that Safari Rally is back in the WRC calendar. But the challenge for you is to run the sport more professional.”

The Safari Rally was dropped from the World Rally Championship calendar in October 2012 when Kenyan organizers failed to meet the necessary standards set by the world governing body FIA.

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The Deputy Vice president urged rally enthusiasts who will be watching the even at different spectator stages to observe safety rules laid by the organizers.

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero too was present during the flag off and promised the city will continue supporting the rally. Kidero urged spectators not to drink and drive during the rally.

FIA Observer Ronan Morgan is in Kenya to write a report on the Safari Rally and its chances of being readmitted back to the World Rally Championships series but he has also taken his time to enjoy the products from the country.

Morgan who has been in the country previously says he enjoys the country’s tea and does not spare any moment to drink Kenya’s finest product. “It’s a great country. I love its tea, I love the people, I love the weather. I am here to work, but also to enjoy the goodies the country produces,” said Ronan who is also the motorsport director in the United Arab Emirates.

The event initially planned to be flagged off at 1 pm but a final minute change saw the start brought back to 9am but that did not dampen the spirit of rally enthusiasts who thronged the Kenyatta International Conference Centre where the Deputy President William Ruto was in line to flag off the event.