Kenya Commercial Bank(KCB) sponsoring the just concluded Equator rally with 100 million shillings, it is also the official financial partner in the WRC Rally looking to make a bigger impact on Kenyan sports. The ongoing WRC Safari rally greening legacy to plant 19 million trees, one million for every year the rally wasn’t held in Kenya also to combat climate change.
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta lobbied to have the WRC rally back in his country which was last hosted in 1999, the government has its full support towards this long-awaited event, many citing this as a great opportunity for Kenya’s tourism to be spotlighted by viewership of these races in over 150 countries by millions of fans and boosting social-economic sectors of the country after suffering from the pandemic aftermaths. It is reported that most hotels are already fully booked by over 2500 rally participants.
The African drivers are looking forward to racing alongside international greats and adding to their experience, this will be a stepping stone for most local drivers to experience racing on an international level. However, the experienced international drivers will also find the rough terrains challenging as it will be their first time racing in Africa. The six stages have been set up also to capture the beautiful wildlife that makes this Safari more exciting. The equator rally was a test event for the safari rally and the FIA officials are optimistic about the June event.
The preparations are still underway as many are looking forward to this rally that will cover 797 kilometers in Nairobi, Naivasha, and Kiambu counties. As we await the shakedown stage at Ndulele conservancy in Naivasha on June 23, rally officials are speculating it will be one for the books.
