Today marks the official commencement of the highly awaited WRC Safari Rally Kenya, inaugurated with a flag-off ceremony held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) presided over by President William Ruto.
The inaugural event includes a thrilling Super Spectator Stage covering 4.84 kilometers at Kasarani before transitioning to the Service Park situated in Naivasha for a three-day spectacle.
Nestled within the Kenya Wildlife Research Training Institute, the Service Park serves as the focal point of the rally, where participating teams meticulously fine-tune their vehicles and undertake essential maintenance under the guidance of their dedicated mechanics.
The rally navigates through various routes in Naivasha, encompassing Malewa, Loldia, Elementaita, and Soysambu. Along these routes, numerous spectator stages are strategically placed, culminating at the iconic Hells Gate National Park, where the closing ceremony will take place, and victors will be celebrated.
Preceding the official start, rally drivers engaged in a rigorous 5.4-kilometer shakedown at Loldia Ranch within the Ndulele Conservancy in Naivasha. The shakedown, akin to a preview of the rally’s terrain, enables drivers to calibrate their cars and assess their preparedness for the impending challenges and weather conditions.
Although the shakedown doesn’t contribute towards points, a commendable performance therein uplifts the morale of the crews and offers valuable insights into their readiness for the main event.
President Ruto, extending a warm welcome to the drivers, urged Kenyans to converge in Naivasha for the festivities. He emphasized the significance of hosting the renowned WRC Safari Rally, characterizing it as an unparalleled showcase of human resilience, automotive engineering prowess, and the majestic allure of Kenya’s rugged landscapes.
Ranked among the most arduous rallies on the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) calendar, the event garners international attention and prestige. Notably, FIA Vice-President for Sport Africa and FIA World Motor Sport Council member Rodrigo Rocha will grace the occasion.
As per the FIA schedule, Friday’s itinerary encompasses the first full leg of the rally, featuring three stages traversing the Naivasha region. Saturday’s proceedings are centered around Lake Elmenteita, introducing three repeated stages, including the extended Sleeping Warrior stage.
The concluding leg on Sunday unfolds with the Malewa stage, followed by the Oserengoni stage, situated within the Oserian wildlife conservancy estate. The nail-biting climax awaits at the 10.53-kilometer Hell’s Gate tests, hosting the Wolf Power Stage in the afternoon.
