Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto officially flagged off the Safari Rally race at the Kenya International Conventional Centre (KICC) in Nairobi earlier today.
The eagerly awaited WRC Safari rally will take place from Thursday, March 28 to Sunday, March 31, and will feature an impressive lineup of 29 drivers.
President Ruto believes that with the Safari Rally championship sport, the country will be boosted in terms of economic growth and tourism.
“We will combine efforts with the World Rally Championship to keep the Safari Rally a world-class sport. This will boost our tourism and overall economic growth.
Flagged off the WRC Safari Rally 2024 at KICC, Nairobi,” President Ruto’s statement read via his social media handle while coordinating the flag-off of the championships at KICC.
In attendance were CS Ababu Namwamba as well as FIA Vice President for Sport Africa and FIA World Motor Sport Council member Rodrigo Rocha.
Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua did also acknowledge the Safari Rally competition yesterday, pointing out that it is the competition that will not only guide the young drivers that are looking to venture into the competition but also put the country on the map by making the drivers compete globally.
“Our nation is endowed with sporting talent in various disciplines. We are keen on tapping this talent. The Talanta Motorsport Academy, to be housed at the Kenya Academy of Sports, captures the Ruto Administration’s sole endeavor to refine talented individuals and make them extra competitive globally.
Our young rally drivers will benefit from the best counsel, knowledge, and guidance through this academy to conquer the World Rally Championships. As the 71st Safari Rally Edition kicks off, we look ahead to the best World Rally Championship, especially now that it is being held during the traditional Easter season.” Rigathi Gachagua’s statement shared via his social media handle read.
Following the flag-off, a Super Spectator Stage at Kasarani covering 4.84 kilometers will thrill the audience before the action shifts to the Service Park in Naivasha for a three-day display.
The FIA calendar states that the first complete leg on Friday will consist of three stages. Kedong, SS4/SS7, will include a new segment in the Miti Mbili area and will run in the opposite direction from 2023.
The second day’s activities center on Lake Elmenteita, which is located north of Naivasha. Sleeping Warrior, the longest stage of the rally at 36.08 kilometers, is one of three stages that are repeated.
Last but not least, the pivotal stage on Sunday starts with Malewa, which has been shortened from 9.00 kilometers to 8.33 kilometers, and is followed by the Oserengoni stage, also known as Oserian last season and located in the same-named nature reserve land. The Wolf Power Stage takes place at 14:15 on the 10.53-kilometer Hell’s Gate test.
The rally travels via a number of routes in Naivasha, such as Malewa, Loldia, Elementaita, and Soysambu, with multiple spectator stages en route. The voyage comes to an end at Hells Gate National Park, where the winners will be revealed and a closing ceremony will take place.
We wish all the Safari Rally participants all the best, as well as the fans who will be closely following the race. From the SPMBUZZ fraternity, best of luck!