Kenya Safari Rally 2019 was on Friday flagged off by President Uhuru Kenyatta at Moi Kasarani Stadium.
This comes after Kenya has been out of world rally championship map for almost two decades. Kenya is seeking to regain its long-lost glory in the world competition.
Speaking during the flagging off of the 2019 Kenya Safari Rally, Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS), Amina Mohamed stated that the government has put concerted efforts to ensure that Kenya Safari Rally reclaim its status in world rally map.
“Kenya is proud of hosting this kind of events and would like to recognize the drivers and organizers who are working hard to take part in this event and guarantee its success,” Mohammed said.
The CS highlighted that our roads cannot wait to test the skills of the drivers and the adrenaline that comes with the automobiles.
Mohamed acknowledged Kenya Commercial Bank for their sponsorship of the event and added that KCB has set the stage for potential and successful partners to come aboard.
The Nairobi County Governor, Mike Sonko asserted the event present a chance for Kenya to get back into WRC and commended a seasoned rally driver Nzioka Waita who will feature in the competition.
“Kenyans should turn out in large numbers to cheer on the drivers because it will give them a chance to relive the motorsport spirit,” Sonko affirmed.
The Kenya Motor Sports Federation Chairman, Phineas Kimathi lauded the President for delivering on his manifesto of supporting motorsport, thanking the president for donating to the motor sport Sh.423 million.
Baldev Chager, a long-time rally driver said that the he has prepared well for the event and he hoped to perform well.
“Am not worried. Am hoping that my long experience will count,” Chager reiterated.
The Premium Class rally driver, Eric Bengi warned that the competition terrain is tricky and race drivers should be extra cautious so as to come out with good results. “It is my childhood dream to feature in this event,’’ he added.
By Charles Kirundi/Peter Ochol
