A chunk of the action-packed contest will be concentrated in the lakeside town of Naivasha from Thursday till Sunday.
“Remember to be cautious because the rally cars are quite fast, thrilling and spectacular. We all want to return home in one piece," Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya who toured the championship headquarters at the Kenya Wildlife Training Institute (KWRI) in Naivasha on Wednesday underlined.
The Sports CS also attended the thrilling shakedown held on the day at the 5km Sleeping Warrior stretch where Finn speed merchant Kalle Rovanpera cruised to victory to show his intention of defending the Safari Rally title. The double world champion will also be out for a third Safari gong.
"I'm very impressed with the turnout in the shakedown, it's a clear indication that this is going to be a very successful rally, so I’m urging Kenyans to come out in their numbers to grace this event that also markets the country as a top sports tourism destination," said Mvurya.
The CS also toured the rally Control Center and the Service Park area at the KWRI which is the heartbeat of the global sporting extravaganza.
"This competition is not just about motorsports, it's just about the whole ecosystem. We already have many tourists around us and business opportunities- from small scale to medium gauge enterprises are already booming," the CS highlighted.
President Ruto is scheduled to officially flag off the rally at the City Hallway in Nairobi on Thursday before the rest of the contest moves down to the rough Naivasha terrains where the over 50 drivers will battle for glory.
The CS noted that the state is supporting some female drivers in the rally, notably Pauline Shegu/Linet Ayuko who will be the only ones battling the big boys of the WRC category.
Also, Tinashe Gatimu and her co-pilot mother will take on the men in the national category of the global showdown.
"They (women) are the real models, they are inspiring upcoming Kenyan women to embrace the sport. Motorsports is one of the key disciplines that is nurturing talents in our country and the Government is glad to sink resources in the game," Mvurya stated.
Safari Rally Chief Executive Officer, Charles Gacheru, who graced the shakedown with Mvurya in Sleeping Warrior noted this after the adrenaline-filled event: “The competition was rough, I think this is going to be the toughest rally ever seen in Kenya, going by the experience recorded on a section of the stretches today.
"Drivers should be well prepared to tackle the fesh fesh filled 32km Camp Moran loop which I believe will separate men from the boys."
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