President William Ruto on Thursday afternoon flagged off the 71st of the Safari Rally, the 3rd round of the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship.
The ceremonial flag off saw the 5 times Safar rally champion Carl Tundo the first one off the ramp navigated by Tim Jessop driving a Skoda Fabia in rally 2 category.
Reigning African champion Karan Patel was the 2nd off the ramp in a Skoda Fabia navigated by Tauseef Khan.
The drivers then headed to the 1st competition stage the Super Special Kasarani where fans were treated to an exhilarating push and pull in a dusty course ,the only head to head competitive stage.
In his remarks during the flag off Ruto reiterated his government’s commitment to support the rally which plays a crucial role in marketing the country globally.
“Along with the universal excitement with which the rally is charged, we must recognize the other beneficial economic effects that accrue as a consequence of events of this magnitude. The surge in the number of visitors to the country and to the venues intensifies media coverage of our country’s attractiveness, and the global attention generated by the WRC provides a definite and major boost to our economy, boosting incomes for local businesses, increasing direct and indirect jobs, and attracting local and foreign investment in tourism, catering and accommodation infrastructure, facilities and services, thereby injecting billions of shillings into the economy, in keeping with the strategic vision set out in the bottom-up economic transformation agenda.”Ruto said
Sports CS Ababu Namwamba called on Kenyans to turn out in large numbers for the rally, saying, “We encourage fans to come out and support their favorite drivers. Your enthusiasm and energy play a crucial role in making this event a success, and we look forward to seeing you all along the rally route.”
WRC Safari Rally CEO Charles Gacheru said, “We are thrilled to witness the start of the Safari Rally 2024. Months of meticulous planning and preparation have culminated in this moment, and we are excited to showcase the beauty and excitement of rallying to the world. We are hopeful of a wonderful weekend.”
The competition now shifts to Naivasha for the next 3 days beginning Friday with drivers cruising through Loldia 1,Geothermal 1 and Kedong before repeating the 3 stages.
On Saturday drivers will compete along Soysambu,Elementeita and Sleeping Warrior then making a loop to sum up the 3rd day .
The 4th and final day on Sunday will see the drivers zoom off at Malewa then head to Oserengoni and finally Hells Gate followed by a repeat in the same stages to wind up this year’s edition which is being held in Naivasha for a fourth consecutive time.
The drivers will compete in a 367.67km distance
