Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-06 04:15:00
Kenya is preparing to host the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally next month, and stakeholders in the hospitality sector in Nakuru County are looking forward to benefiting from the event. The Kenyan leg of the competition is scheduled to take place from March 28-31 in Nairobi and Naivasha, according to the calendar released by the Federation Internationale de I’ Automobile (FIA).
The event’s director, Mr. Jim Kahumbura, revealed that preparations are underway to ensure the success and memorability of the Safari Rally, which is considered one of the toughest rallies in the world. This is good news for fans, as the event is returning to its traditional Easter weekend slot after being held in June in 2023. The return to the Easter weekend is expected to attract a significant number of fans.
Kenya is set to host the WRC for the fourth time in a row, with over 6,000 guests expected to attend and an estimated injection of over Sh7 billion into the economy. Foreign drivers will arrive 10 days before the rally, and afterward, they are planning to visit the Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Narok and Diani at the coast. Each team comes with a crew of at least 100 people, and three teams are expected to attend, with over 300 rally personnel participating, as well as foreign journalists and rallying enthusiasts.
The event is expected to pump at least Sh7 billion into the Kenyan economy, and tourism stakeholders are optimistic that it will boost the sector. The Nakuru County Tourism Association Chairman, David Mwangi, expressed readiness to showcase Nakuru to the world and promote local tourism. He also highlighted the benefits that the rally championships will bring to the hospitality sector in Nakuru and Naivasha.
Mr. Mwangi mentioned that both Nakuru City and Naivasha are expecting a significant boost in tourism facilities, with the injection of billions into the hospitality sector. The East African Chamber of Commerce and Industry Director, Njuguna Kamau, described the motorsport event as a windfall for the tourism industry and other businesses, with expectations of earning billions of shillings by the end of the event.
Nakuru County Tourism Executive, Stephen Kuria, emphasized the county government’s readiness to host the Safari Rally, highlighting the event’s potential to boost domestic tourism. With schools closed during the Easter weekend, a higher turnout of spectators is expected at this year’s event.
The WRC Safari Rally, which reverts to its traditional Easter schedule for the first time in 27 years, is expected to bring back nostalgic memories for fans. This includes memories of local drivers like Patrick Njiru and the late Jonathan Toroitich, signaling a significant moment for fans and the local community.
In 2021, former President Uhuru Kenyatta signed a pact to keep the event in the WRC calendar until 2026. Last year, thousands of people attended the Safari Rally, injecting billions into the country’s economy. In Nakuru County, hotels and businesses are gearing up to host the influx of visitors during the event.
Owners of palatial homes, operators of short-term rentals, and various businesses, including those in petroleum products, food and beverages, entertainment, and hospitality industries, as well as hawkers are expected to benefit from the rally. Renowned safari rally drivers like Carl Tundo will participate in this year’s event, attracting foreign drivers and their teams and families from all over the world.
The Safari Rally, which has a rich history dating back to 1953, has evolved to become one of the most popular events on the WRC calendar. With a significant economic impact and potential for boosting tourism, the Safari Rally is set to showcase Kenya’s hospitality and tourism sector on a global stage.
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