By OUR CORRESPONDENT
The Government has urged Kenyans to stay safe as the third leg of the 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC), the Safari Rally, revs off in Nairobi on Thursday.
The huge chunk of the action packed contest will be concentrated in the lakeside town of Naivasha, 90km northwest of the capital from Thursday till Sunday.
“Remember to be cautious because the rally cars are quite fast, thrilling and spectacular. We all want to return home in one piece,” the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya cautioned on Wednesday.
Organisers of the annual event have stepped up safety measures this year, with the WRC Safari Rally open to more fans than have been allowed to attend since it returned to the global circuit in 2021.
Kenyan President William Ruto is scheduled to officially flag off the rally at the City Hall Way in Nairobi on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters in the rally headquarters in Naivasha, the minister noted that the State is supporting some female drivers this year.
Among them is the all female crew of Pauline Shegu and Linet Ayuko and Tinashe Gatimu who will be navigated by her mother.
“They are the real models and inspiring upcoming Kenyan women to embrace the sport.
“Motorsports is one of the key disciplines that is nurturing talents in our country and the Government is glad to sink resources in the game,” Mvurya stated.
WRC Safari Rally Kenya Chief Executive Officer, Charles Gacheru, who accompanied Mvurya to the shakedown in Sleeping Warrior believes this year’s edition will be the most challenging yet.
“The competition was rough, I think this is going to be the toughest rally ever seen in Kenya, going by the experience recorded on a section of the stretches today.
“Drivers should be well prepared to tackle the fesh fesh filled 32km Camp Moran loop which I believe will separate men from the boys.”
Finnish star Kalle Rovanpera was the fastest on the day ahead of world champion Thierry Neuville and Ott Tanak during the 5.4km shakedown.
