•During a stakeholders' presser highlighting the progress of the iconic African motor rallying fixture, the CS dispelled rumours doing rounds that plans to host the event had stagnated.
• Assistant Inspector General of Police Stephen Etiyang said stern action will be taken against perpetrators of traffic offences during the rally week.
Image: HANDOUT
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has dismissed naysayers on social media over reports that preparations for next week's WRC Safari Rally Kenya are in tatters.
During a stakeholders' presser highlighting the progress of the iconic African motor rallying fixture, the CS dispelled rumours doing rounds that plans to host the event had stagnated.
The CS reassured the public of the government's commitment and support towards Safari, adding that the World Rally Championship status is here to stay.
On Wednesday, social media was awash with reactions following a post which alleged that preparations to host this year's event were way behind schedule due to sabotage.
The post also said that the WRC Promoter and World Rally Teams are livid with the progress made thus far. The CS also issued a stern warning against those undermining government projects.
"The iconic Safari Rally is at the heart of the government and we are not going to let anyone interfere with our projects," said the CS at KICC, where President William Ruto will flag off the cars on March 28.
"We are not leaving anything to chance to deliver a successful, fun-filled, safe, secure event. We want to assure all the people of Kenya and all our guests from all over the world that we are on."
"We want to extend our invitation to the whole world. We want to allay any concerns and fears about the preparations and give an absolute and unequivocal confirmation that we are perfectly on track."
Being the only round of the WRC on African soil, Ababu said Kenyans are immensely proud to be a part of this rare experience.
The CS also confirmed that the Talanta Hela Rally School will be launched on March 27 and will have the face of Kenya in a deliberate move to unearth black indigenous drivers.
The Minister also said the first class will feature students from the Kasarani Triple S spectator stage neighbourhood.
The SSS Stage at Kasarani is traditionally Safari's first speed test.
Ababu continued: "We are not taking any chances on people who want to ruin the image of Safari and the country. We have invested a lot in the Safari and I assure you it's here you stay."
Assistant Inspector General of Police Stephen Etiyang said stern action will be taken against perpetrators of traffic offences during the rally week.
Etiyang advised those headed upcountry or coming to Nairobi to plan their itineraries as early as possible to avoid the commotion synonymous with the past three editions of the event.
"All security agencies have been involved in this exercise. We assure every member of the public that this rally will be a success," he said.
"Safari is going to happen over Easter, a festive period and we expect a lot of movement to the western part of the country."
"We want to ensure the flow of vehicles from Nairobi, Naivasha and Nakuru. I'm appealing to the public to adhere to the traffic rules."
Patricia Mutheu, the Matatu Owners Association CEO said: "We are happy to partner with the organisers of this year's Safari Rally. We have advised our crews on the importance of observing traffic rules."