Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-16 21:00:00
The low entry of only nine cars for the opening round of the 2024 Kenya National Rally Championships in Eldoret is raising concerns about the well-being and development of the sport. The declining trend in entries for KNRC events has been apparent over the years, with the situation worsening with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
In the past, KNRC events used to attract an average of 45 cars, with the iconic Guru Nanak Rally drawing no less than 70 cars. However, last year saw a significant drop in entries, with the Eldoret Rally drawing 13 entries, Guru Nanak Rally 16, Mombasa Rally 12, and KMSC Rally 14. This decline in participation should be a cause for concern for the Kenya Motor Sports Federation (KMSF) and the government.
Low entries are not only limited to KNRC events but are also evident in other national rallying events such as Rally Raid, Tarmac, Karting, 4×4, and Autocross, which serve as the breeding ground for rally drivers. The sport is facing challenges, and drivers are no longer finding the competition enjoyable due to the high costs and stringent competition and safety rules.
Rallying in the country has become increasingly expensive, making it difficult for drivers to participate in events outside of Nairobi. The costs of owning and maintaining a certified Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) rally car, which is worth over Sh25 million, are prohibitive for many drivers. Additionally, the expenses for safety gear, spare parts, and other necessities further add to the financial burden.
Despite the challenges, there is a call for the same level of enthusiasm and dedication shown towards the organization of the World Rally Championship Safari Rally to be replicated in the KNRC. However, with a month to go before this year’s Safari Rally, the government is yet to release funds for the event scheduled for March 28-31 in Naivasha and Nairobi. This lack of financial support could jeopardize the gains made in recent years and hamper the successful organization of the event.
It is evident that the declining participation in KNRC events and the growing financial burden on drivers are threatening the sport of rallying in Kenya. There is a need for concerted efforts from KMSF, the government, and other stakeholders to address these challenges and revitalize the sport. Without proactive measures to make rallying more accessible and affordable, the future of the sport in Kenya remains uncertain.
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