WRC Safari Rally Greening Legacy hits magical 8.2m mark

The WRC Safari Rally Greening Legacy campaign that commenced three years ago since the return of the Safari Rally to the WRC after a two decades hiatus has now hit a new milestone as the push to better the environment gathers momentum. 

The Safari Rally has been on the environmentalist’s radar for its environmental impact but the WRC Safari rally has now planted a total of 8.2 million trees in the country in its quest to improve vegetation cover. 

As the Safari rally marks its 70th anniversary, the campaign headed Kakamega Forest over the weekend in a move that witnessed reclamation of 15 acres. 

Kenya Motorsport Federation president and Safari Rally CEO Phineas Kimathi announced that the organisation has commenced a 700,000 tree planting marathon before the loud and fast engines rev off in Naivasha from the 22nd June 2023. 

"Environmental Sustainability is very key for Motorsport; we are keen on supporting the President’s 15 billion initiative. This year we will engage the international officials and rally crews as well as our regional and local drivers in planting of trees along the traditional Safari Rally routes."

Speaking during the initiative, Kakamega Forest Heritage foundation chairman Dr Johnson Murila lauded the WRC team for their commitment the last 3 years in the reclamation of the Rain forest region.  

“Safari Rally Kenya has been a great ally in environmental conservation over the last three years, their conservation agenda is well intertwined in our mission, and we look forward to seeing the team take over more acreage in the upcoming months," remarked Murila. 

The progress of the campaign has been steady and sure over the past three years and WRC Safari Rally Head of special programs Ivy Kaburu could not hide her excitement. 

“As an organisation we wish to laud the Kakamega Forest Heritage foundation for post care of the trees grown over the years, In the run up to the WRC Safari Rally,  we are keen on rehabilitation of 13 more acres in the region." 

Several other tree planting exercises have been scheduled to take place in Uasin Gishu, Kericho, Nakuru and Nairobi counties before the prestigious Safari Rally makes its third consecutive roar in the Kenyan Savannah.