Kenya will build a rally academy that will provide an enabling environment for young drivers to realise their potential in the “man and machine” sport.
Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony at the Wildlife Research and Training Institute which hosted the Safari Rally headquarters, Service Park and podium, President William Ruto said they have already provided the rally cars that will help youngsters develop a career in motorsports.
“We have already agreed with the ministry responsible for sport that we will have an academy for rallying and that we will help our young people begin to identify their talent in matters rallying,” said Ruto.
“We all know that Kenya is a great sporting nation. We stand out in many sports, more so in athletics. And it’s because Kenya is the cradle of humankind. This is where the original human beings came from. And we are very proud that Safari Rally is being held in Kenya, the only country in Africa hosting a round of the World Championship,” the President said.
The President also congratulated overall winner Sebastien Ogier, Toyota for a 1-2-3-4 finish, Kenya’s Carl Tundo for finishing third in WRC2, Kenya women in the Safari and all drivers who participated in the event.
About women in Kenyan motorsports, the President noted: “We made it a decision that this time round we are going to sponsors all the women participating in this event. And I want to confirm that what men can do, women can do better.”
The President reiterated the government’s supports towards Safari which counted towards the seventh leg of the World Rally Championship.
He concluded: “When we came into office in 2013, amongst the things we said we must do is to bring back the Safari Rally. The event was part of Kenyan history for 70 years. I am very happy that after 19 years, Safari Rally came back in 2019. Today, we are here and many Kenyans have had a wonderful weekend. I would like to thank everyone who made this event a success.”
