President William Ruto has called on the private sector to step in and sponsor the Safari Rally in the future. While flagging off the 2025 WRC Safari Rally, Ruto revealed that the government has spent Ksh 968 million to organize this year’s event.
‘’The future of Safari Rally is predicated on increased private sector participation. I remember that this Rally cost the Government of Kenya Ksh. 2.1B in 2023 I did give firm instructions to the Ministry that that figure should come down. I am happy that in 2024 it came down by Ksh.800Million to Ksh.1.3B and I insisted that this year it must cost less for the Government of Kenya am happy that it came down by another Ksh.300Million and it will now cost Ksh.980Million’’ President William Ruto
He urged private companies to take the lead in sponsoring future editions, stating that the government is willing to allow the private sector to take up the sponsorship role.
‘’ I am looking forwards to the day when this will cost zero for the government of Kenya and the private sector will take it up, the government is willing to cede ground and allow our private companies to shine in this glorious event’’, President Ruto said.
The famed Rally, Safari returned to the World Rally Championship in 2021 after a 20 year hiatus, with President
‘’Hosting this event,the only FIA WRC leg in Africa is a win-win partnership for Kenya, the continent and FIA.I assure both the FIA and WRC that the Kenyan Government is committed to supporting the event now and in future’’Ruto said.
The rally revs off with a 4.76-kilometre Super Special Stage at Kasarani before heading to Naivasha for the 8.15-kilometre Special Stage in Mzabibu this afternoon.
Tomorrow morning, the Safari Rally Kenya will begin with the 32.20-kilometre Camp Moran stage, followed by the 19.11-kilometre Loldia 1 stage.
Other stages will take place on Friday and Saturday, culminating in the final two stages at Oserengoni and Hell’s Gate.
The event will conclude with an awards ceremony where the 2025 WRC Safari Rally Kenya champion will be crowned.
Bernard Okumu
