June 28, 2021
Kenya will now host the World Safari Rally until 2026 following an agreement reached between the government, International Motorsport Federation (FIA) and World Rally Championship (WRC) to hold the Safari Rally until 2026.
Kenya will now host the World Safari Rally to hold the global motorsport event.
“In this regard, my administration will immediately start preparations for the next Safari Rally event, and I commit the required financial investment towards another successful championship in Kenya,” said President Kenyatta.
President Uhuru Kenyatta made the announcement on Sunday, as he presided over the award ceremony of the just concluded WRC 2021 in Naivasha that saw Frenchman Sebastien Ogier emerge tops.
The President said the Government secured the hosting rights of the elite motorsport event from the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and the WRC after years of intense lobbying and preparations.
Frenchman Ogier came home 21.8 seconds ahead of his Toyota teammate Takamoto Katsuta with the Estonian Ott Tanak third in his Hyundai.
Ogier benefitted from the early retirement of Thierry Neuville, who broke his right rear shock absorber when he hit a rock during the day’s first special stage.
The Safari Rally was making a comeback to Kenya after a 19-year absence.