Vroom! President Ruto Flags Off WRC Safari Rally in Nairobi

‎The rally runs from March 20 to March 23, covering a grueling 384.86 km route across various terrains in Nakuru, Nairobi, and Kiambu counties.

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‎This year’s edition is the longest since the Safari Rally returned to the WRC calendar in 2021.

It features new stages such as Mzabibu, a vineyard-lined 12.36 km stretch, and Camp Moran, a 32.2 km endurance test designed to challenge the world's top rally drivers.

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‎Speaking at the flag-off, President Ruto reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting motorsport while reducing the government’s financial burden on the event.

He noted that the cost of hosting the rally had dropped from KSh 2.1 billion in 2023 to KSh 980 million this year, thanks to increased efficiency and private sector participation.

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‎“I look forward to a time when this event will cost the government zero, with the private sector taking full ownership. They need the advertising, the profiling, and we are willing to cede ground for that,” Ruto stated.

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‎To nurture young talent in motorsport, the Kenyan government has pledged support for the FIA’s affordable cross-car project, which aims to develop local rally talent.

The project includes providing free design blueprints to encourage local manufacturing.

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‎Additionally, President Ruto welcomed the FIA Helmet Wearing Program, implemented in Kenya by the Automobile Association of Kenya, which provides life-saving helmets to boda-boda riders as part of the country's 2024-2028 National Road Safety Plan.