Kavisi buoyant ahead of WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha

After a one-year hiatus, rally driver Evans Kavisi is eager to represent Kenya in the highly awaited WRC Safari Rally scheduled for March 20-23, 2025, in Naivasha, Nakuru County.

Navigated by his long-time friend Absalom Aswani, Kavisi will be eyeing an improved performance compared to his last outing when he graced the 2023 WRC Safari Rally. During that year, he retired from the race due to mechanical problems.

“The Safari Rally has been a tough contest for my co-driver Absalom and me. In the four times we have participated in the global event, we have retired due to car problems.

“This year, we head into this race with our heads held high, optimistic that we will finish the gruelling race and put Kenya on the map. The car is pristine, and we cannot wait to participate,” said Kavisi.

The Group N driver will compete in his usual Mitsubishi Evo X, a car he has raced in since he made his WRC Safari Rally debut in 2021 when the legendary event returned to Kenyan soil after a 20-year-hiatus.

“One of the things we did differently this year is rebuilding the car from the bodywork to the engine. We normally test for a few kilometers to ensure everything works well. So far, I am happy because we are ready to go,” added Kavisi.

Defending Champion Kalle Rovanperä and his navigator Jonne Halttunen have confirmed their participation in the four-day event that will be headlined by top drivers from around the world, including Elfyn Evans, Thierry Neuville, Ott Tanak, Takamoto Katsuta, Adrien Fourmaux among others.

President William Ruto will flag off the event on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) before the action gets underway at the Super Special Stage in Kasarani.

On Friday, March 21, cars will pass through Cam Moran, Loldia, Geothermal and Kedong twice. On Saturday, March 22, action will be held at Sleeping Warrior, Elementeita, and Soysambu.

The climax will be Sunday, March 23, when the cars will pass Osengeroni and Hell’s Gate twice. This will culminate in the prize-giving ceremony to crown the winners as President Ruto is expected to grace the event.