President Uhuru Kenyatta launched Safari Rally today at Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani ahead of the World Rally Championship set for next year.
It was an opportunity for the president to show support when he presented a Ksh440 million cheque ahead of World Rally Championship Safari Project to the project’s chief executive Phineas Kimathi.
“With the first Safari Rally having taken place in our country in 1953, rallying has deep roots in Kenya’s national psyche,” Uhuru said.
“My administration is committed to supporting rallying in Kenya. And as so many Kenyans, I am confident that not only will this Safari Rally be a full series event, but also the Kenyan flag will feature on the winning podium in a number of events.”
The President appealed to corporates to support the bid to have the Safari back on the global roster.
“The government, through the Ministry of Sports, is eager to lend whatever support that the industry and sponsors may require,” he said.
The President acknowledged the support from the International Automobile Federation (FIA) whose president Jean Todt, who is also a United Nations special envoy on road safety, visited State House, Nairobi, in 2015
The rally’s organisers, fans and also delegates from the FIA will be looking forward to a well-run rally that will help Kenya bounce back onto the international calendar.
FIA Safety Delegate, Michele Mouton, and her team has already been on the stages looking and gauging every meter of the stage to make sure that they are perfect and to the liking of the foreign drivers.
Additional information Daily Nation