President Ruto flags off the 2025 WRC Safari Rally

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 20 - The Government of Kenya has promised to create more opportunities for the country’s youth to participate in motorsport.

To this end, the State will support world governing body FIA’s Affordable Cross Car Project, which aims to develop motorsport talent globally.

Speaking during the flag-off of the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally Kenya in Nairobi on Thursday, President William Ruto thanked the motorsport governing body for providing free design blueprints for these cars, and encouraging local manufacturing while minimising costs.

"I urge our local motorsport federation to collaborate with the Technical and Vocational Training Authority to make local production a reality," The President remarked.

Ruto also underscored the essence for the country to be part of the FIA Helmet Wearing Programme, an initiative that plays a crucial role in enhancing road safety for the country’s commercial motorcyclists locally known as ‘Boda Boda’ riders.

The FIA Helmet programme is implemented in Kenya by the Automobile Association of Kenya with support from the FIA Safe and Sustainable Mobility Grants Programme and funded by the FIA Foundation.

"By providing life-saving helmets, this initiative reinforces our national commitment to reducing road fatalities in line with our 2024-2028 National Road Safety Plan," the Head of State added.

Ruto told the nation that the 2025 WRC Safari Rally has been organised under a whole- of-government approach, through the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports spearheading the process.

It worked closely with their counterparts in the Ministries of Interior, Tourism and Wildlife, Trade, MSMEs, Environment, and the regional governments of Nairobi, Kiambu, and Nakuru counties.

“The Kenya Tourism Board, Kenya Pipeline Corporation, Kenya Wildlife Service, the Wildlife Research and Training Institute, Kenya Power and KenGen, among others, have immensely contributed to this year’s Safari Rally.

"This collaborative approach must be emulated across all public initiatives. I also wish to thank our corporate sponsors for their invaluable contributions and encourage the private sector to continue partnering with the government to host world-class events,” the president added.

Ruto reiterated that the future of the WRC Safari Rally depends on increased private sector involvement, and commended the local organisers for raising over USD3.09m (KSh400 million) both directly and indirectly, to support the third round of the 2025 global circuit this year.

"I am pleased to learn that the WRC Safari Rally Project has initiated discussions with the Toyota Gazoo Racing team to train Kenyan drivers and mechanics.

“As a government, we will fully support this initiative,” he underscored.

Since 1953, the WRC Safari Rally has been a key part of Kenya’s sporting heritage and a pillar of the country's sports tourism.

"Hosting this event — the only FIA World Rally Championship leg in Africa — is a win-win partnership for Kenya, the continent, and the FIA. I assure both the FIA and WRC that the Government of Kenya remains committed to supporting this event now and in the future.

"I have it on the authority of WRC and FIA reports that the Safari Rally is one of the most eagerly anticipated events worldwide, while the Hell’s Gate Power Stage is among the most-watched globally. Additionally, the famous Miti Mbili jump in Kedong is one of the most iconic images in the WRC rally world,” Ruto told the nation.

Meanwhile, the President extended a message of goodwill to all Kenyans and visitors as this year's WRC Safari Rally adventure officially got underway.

"Welcome to Kasarani and Naivasha for the WRC Safari Rally. Stay safe and bring your families along to enjoy the spectacle. The ongoing rains in Naivasha are a blessing, and we anticipate that the 2025 WRC Safari Rally will be one of the toughest yet most exciting editions ever.

“Finally, we extend our best wishes to all local and foreign drivers as they take on both old and new rally stages. To our local drivers, led by 21-year-old Tinashe Gatimu, the entire country is rallying behind you. We will be cheering you on. Go make Kenya proud," the President concluded.

Ruto flagged off 10 of the 34 starters before the cars went to Kasarani, 16km west of the capital for the opening stage of the event, Special Spectator Stage.

WRC championship leader, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT’s Elyfn Evans from Wales was the fastest on the head-to-head showdown, clocking three minutes and nine seconds in his Yaris GR1.

Reigning world champion Belgian Thierry Neuville was a second adrift in second in his Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT i20.

Two-time world champion, Kalle Rovanpera who is chasing his third career WRC Safari Rally win was third in another Toyota.

After the SSS, the cars proceeded to Naivasha for the first Competitive Stage on gravel, the 8.3km Mzabibu Stage that is a brand new section for the event.

This is the first Safari Rally since it returned to the WRC in 2021 to have two competitive stages on the opening day.

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