Telecommunication Company Safaricom has pumped millions in sponsoring three Kenyan drivers ahead of World Rally Championships to be held next week in Naivasha.
As the FIA WRC returns into the country after 19 years, Safaricom has announced a Sh17.5 million sponsorship deal for 22 year olds Jeremy Wahome and Hamza Anwar as well as 26-year-old McRae Mutwiri Kimathi.
The sponsorship deal Sh15 million which will go towards supporting the three young Kenyan drivers selected as part of the FIA Rally Star programme.
Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said they have always believed in supporting the youth by giving them a platform to showcase their talent and to excel, whether this is through sports, music or the arts.
“This is a global initiative aimed at identifying, training and developing talented young drivers between 17-26 years, ” said Ndegwa
“The three young Kenyan drivers we’ll be supporting have the potential to become the next big stars and with the Safari Rally now back on the WRC calendar, they get to showcase their talents on an international stage,” he said.
Ndegwa said the ultimate objective of FIA Rally Star programme is to develop drivers who have the potential to become future stars of the World Rally Championship by encouraging the emergence of a new generation of drivers.
58 rally drivers including 34 Kenyan racers are set to participate in this year’s Safari Rally which will take place from 24th to 27th June.