Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Delegates,

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, the journey we began in 2013 to return the most iconic of motoring events, the Safari Rally, to the International Automobile Federation-World Rally Championship Series, has scaled to greater heights as we proudly host this World Rally Championship Candidate Event.

With the first Safari Rally having taken place in our Country in 1953, Rallying has deep roots in Kenya’s national psyche.  Many generations of Kenyans were raised against the background of impressive Rally Races, criss-crossing our Nation; and looking up to Motoring Legends who distinguished themselves due to their skill, daring and jaw-dropping feats of world-class driving.

This Candidate event will feature 262.93 kilometres of competitive racing against a total event coverage of 796.86 kilometres; and will take place against the backdrop of some of the most scenic landscapes anywhere in the world.

It is my hope that this Safari rally event plants a seed of hope in the hearts of many.  Indeed, as the saying goes, the Safari Rally and other sports best embodies the spirit of possibility, a spirit that conquers and defies all odds.

A seed that will inspire many of our people to move forward in life with enthusiastic hearts and with a clear sense of wholeness.  An inspiration that has no limits.  

Ladies and Gentlemen,

My Administration is committed to supporting Rallying in Kenya.  And like so many Kenyans, I am confident that not only will this Safari Rally be a full series event, but also the Kenyan Flag will feature on the winning podium in a number of events.

For us to achieve this, I call on corporate sponsors and private sector stakeholders, to join hands with the Government in supporting the emergence and growth of our nascent Rallying Talent.  Opportunities for this abound, and I confirm that the Government, through the Ministry of Sports, is eager to lend whatever support that the Industry and Sponsors may require.

I acknowledge the support from International Automobile Federation through its President, Jean Todt, in our endeavour to ensure that Kenya returns to the World Rally Championship.  The logistical and technical support that we have received from the International Automobile Federation has not only made this event possible, but also deepened Kenya’s capacity to deliver world class rallying experiences. 

We are committed to meeting all International Automobile Federation regulations, standards and requirements so that Kenya may once again feature at the apex of Global Rallying.

Let me conclude by thanking both the global and the local governing bodies, the event sponsors, the facilitators and the wonderful team that has worked tirelessly to bring this event into reality. 

I wish all the Drivers, Navigators and their entire supporting Teams and indeed my Chief of Staff who, I understand, is one of the participants all the best in this Event. We look forward to safe and exhilarating rallying displays that will inspire new generations of participants into the sport.

Finally, I urge all Kenyans to turn up in large numbers to enjoy this event as eager spectators across all the stages of this Rally.

With those few remarks, it is my pleasure to flag-off this iconic race, the Safari Rally.