NAIROBI, Kenya, September 12- President Uhuru Kenyatta has pledged the Government will make every effort to bring the Safari Rally back into the World Rally Championship circuit.
The President said the Government will support motorsports to bring the rally back to the status it enjoyed during its glory days that ended in 2003 when it was expunged from the WRC calendar.
“We want to get this rally back to what it used to be and as Government we want it to get back on the World Rally Championship circuit,” the President said.
He was speaking today at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre where he flagged off the 62nd KCB Safari Rally On Friday morning.
President Kenyatta said the Safari Rally was a major highlight in the Kenyan calendar and no effort will be spared to get motorsports back to what it used to be.
The President flagged off the first three cars led by defending champion, Baldev Chager before they headed to Migaa in Kiambu County for the first Spectator Stage.
He also called on fans to enjoy the sport but to ensure that they take necessary precautions to avoid accidents.
“I urge spectators to be supportive but please don’t get overexcited to avoid accidents,” he said.
The President called on parents to ensure that they take necessary precautions for the safety of children along the rally routes.
The Safari Rally is Kenya’s longest running sporting event and used to be part of WRC for a long time.
Founding President Jomo Kenyatta made history in 1968 when he flagged off the Safari Rally making it the first event in the international motorsport calendar to be flagged away by a Head of State.
Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, who spoke at the event, also called on spectators to enjoy the sport but to avoid endangering themselves.
Internal Security Cabinet Secretary Joseph Ole Lenku represented Sport Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario.