Preps in top gear ahead of Easter Safari Rally fiesta

Speaking Thursday morning during a press briefing on security and preparedness for the third leg of this year’s WRC series, Ababu expressed confidence all is in place to meet the high demand expected with the Safari action returning to traditional Easter season.

He however underlined the need to balance between security measures and freedom to enjoy the Safari Rally party.

“We have met the security team and the traffic team. We are not leaving anything to chance as we want to deliver a successful, fulfilling, safe and secure event. We want a secure event but we also want Kenyans to have fun. So, even as we introduce these measures, we don’t want to take the fun out of the rally.

“The rally is a fun moment, a beautiful blessed season of Easter, so we want Kenyans to enjoy Easter and enjoy the rally. The measures we are announcing here are not designed to restrict your enjoyment for this season,” the CS said.

Assistant Inspector General of Police Stephen Etyang echoed Ababu’s sentiments, noting they are ready for the job.

“It is happening during the festive season, and there are always a lot of movements from Nairobi to upcountry. That is our concern as we want to ensure every member of the public is safe and secure. We are going to ensure that there is free flow of vehicles from Nairobi, Naivasha leading to Nakuru. We therefore appeal to the public to adhere to traffic rules so that we host a successful event,” said Etyang.

Matatu owners association CEO Patricia Mutheu said they are keen on preventing traffic headaches usually associated with the event.

“We have advised our people the importance of observing traffic rules and actually maintaining one lane, so that we can make sure we have a successful event and also market our country.”

Safari Rally Chief Executive Officer Charles Gacheru revealed that all the stages are ready for pre-visit exercises ahead of the main fiesta.

“We have the necessary visa to host this event. That means we have all the necessary documents from medical, to safety, to spectator guides all prepared by the FIA. We have the necessary insurance for this rally. We are going to have 18 states in Naivasha, and they are ready for pre-visits on Monday and Tuesday…” he assured.

The Safari Rally action will begin on March 28 and culminate on March 31.