Nairobi April 13, 2023–The Government has re-affirmed its commitment towards the WRC Safari Rally following the recent appointment of a new Steering and Local organising committees which are working with the established secretariat to exceed the success of the last two editions of the Rally.
The Safari is the seventh round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) and will be held in Nairobi and Naivasha on June 23-26 this year.
Following his maiden tour of the WRC Safari Rally secretariat yesterday, the Sports Ministry Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke said he was confident that the event’s sporting arm will live up to the high expectations expected of it, and he will be leading from the front.
“You will see me here more often, but we also need to go to the ground and ensure everything goes as planned,” Mueke told the staff including heads of departments.
“What is important is to look ahead and work hard to deliver this event. Let’s switch to crisis mode, help each other, and burn the midnight oil to deliver this event,” added Mueke who is a former Nairobi County Government deputy governor.
The Safari is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year and its 50th year in the WRC save for the 19 years hiatus (2002-2019).
“The only thing that unites us is our commitment. Let’s hold the 70th anniversary successfully. I can assure you that I am totally committed and will support you,” said the PS who also doubles up as the WRC Safari Rally Steering Committee Vice Chairman.
The Clerk-of-course Bhabra has completed the route survey ahead of the opening of entries and media accreditation on April 18 and 22 respectively.
The Safari will follow most routes of last year with minor changes including scrapping the Narasha open roads stage over the hills overlooking the Ol Karia Geothermal wells.
The start has been switched from the KICC to Uhuru Park to coincide with the Hustlers Bazaar week bringing together ordinary Kenyans in an open market fanfare as part of the 70th-anniversary celebrations.