This archive report was first published on 24 June 2021.
On June 24, 2021, President Uhuru Kenyatta flagged off the World Rally Championship Safari Rally at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya.
The event marked the rally's return to the WRC calendar after a 19-year absence, a journey that began in 2013 when President Kenyatta pledged to bring the rally back home.
Among the drivers flagged off by the President were seven-time World Champion Sebastian Ogier, Onkar Rai, and Carl 'Flash' Tundo, who was navigated by Tim Jessop.
President Kenyatta was accompanied by FIFA President Jean Todt, Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed, and Safari Rally CEO Phineas Kimathi at the flag-off ceremony.
According to President Kenyatta, the return of the Safari Rally is a testament to his administration's commitment to reviving the event, which he promised would return as one of the FIA and WRC's toughest rallies.
After the flag-off, the drivers headed to the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani for the 4.8km Twin Track Super Special Stage, where fans could watch the drivers perform stunts and entertain before departing for the business end of the rally in Naivasha.
International drivers are expecting a competitive rally, with Olivier Solberg commenting, 'The roads will be demanding but at the same time there is some beautiful scenery and lots of animals. It is tough but exciting at the same time.'
