The WRC Safari Rally is back! Kenya’s Capital, Nairobi came to a standstill on Thursday, 23rd June as President Uhuru Kenyatta flagged off drivers at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre.
His Excellency flagged off the first ten rally cars which included Kenyan teams comprising of McRae Kimathi, Maxine Wahome, Jeremy Wahome, Hamza Anwar and the French megastars Sebastian Ogier and his co-driver Sebastien Loeb who are gracing the iconic Kenyan fixture for the second time.
Speaking at the event, President Kenyatta said, “The historic nature of this rally is undeniable. Last year (2021), a record of 78 million people in 150 countries watched the rally. In addition, the rally was of great benefit to the country, injecting approximately KES 6 billion in our economy, with every sector sharing in the pie, including: players in the hospitality and transport sectors as well as micro, small and medium enterprises in Naivasha and its surrounding towns.”
“It is an iconic event tied to the history of our country, to the history of sports in Kenya and East Africa and to our determination to juxtapose the modern world with our natural beauty,” he said.
With rally fans from across the globe visiting the country to witness the prestigious event, drivers entertained spectators on the SSS; the Super Special; the first competitive stage of the 2022 WRC Safari Rally at Moi Sports Center, Kasarani.