Over 65 cars have been entered for the 11th edition of the East African Safari Classic Rally set for December 9–18.
Of the 65, 44 are foreigners who will battle for honours in an event that will traverse 11 counties across multiple State-owned and private enterprises.
Safari Classic CEO Jeet Ghose said the 10-day rally is expected to inject a staggering Sh228m into the national economy.
“The EASCR, which will be held in December 2023, will bring foreign investment of over USD 1,500,000 (Sh228m) into Kenya,” Ghose remarked.
“It is wonderful to host an event in Kenya that generates such a large and timely boost to both Kenyan rallying and tourism across 11 counties and multiple State-owned and private enterprises,” he added.
“Each team is expected to spend around USD 25,000 (Sh93m) while in Kenya. 11 counties will benefit from the 350 cars passing through their borders, with over 800 hotel beds per night being booked across 25 different hotels. The spend on accommodation alone will top USD 600,000 (Sh91m),” Ghose’s statement read.
The rally will bring in about $75,000 (Sh11.4m) in park fees for the Kenya Wildlife Service.
“Other beneficiaries of the rally will be local businesses including restaurants, car rental companies, logistics firms, tourist attraction facilities, and mechanics; as well as thousands of individuals who will be involved in the World’s Toughest Rally,” Ghose added.
Meanwhile, the organisers said they do not expect the country’s ecosystem to suffer any sort of damage as a result of the rally.
“It is one of the only rallies worldwide to be carbon off-setting emissions from cars and helicopter flights through carbon credits,” Ghose said.
In addition, drivers and teams will be planting trees in Kilifi county at the start of the event, aligned to the governmental initiatives.
The original East African Safari Rally, which was conducted in 1953 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, served as the inspiration for the Classic Safari.
The East African Safari Classic Rally was founded in 2003 as a stand-alone event to honour the original rally’s ethos and serve fans of vintage cars.
