This archive report was first published on 24 June 2021.
Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta officially flagged off the World Rally Championships (WRC) Safari Rally at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi on June 24, 2021, marking a 19-year wait for the WRC event to return to the country.
The event, which will feature 58 crews, is expected to attract over 825 million viewers and inject Ksh6 billion (approximately $60 million) in foreign currency into the economy.
President Kenyatta, who is also the patron of the Safari Rally, was joined by FIA president Jean Todt, Kenya's Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed, and WRC Safari Rally CEO Phineas Kimathi for the ceremonial flag-off.
Top drivers, including Kabras Sugar Racing's Onkar Rai and Equator African Rally Championship winner Carl Tundo, were among the first to take part in the rally.
President Kenyatta wished the best of luck to rally driver Carl Tundo and his navigator Tim Jessop, as they embarked on the challenging rally course.
The event has generated significant interest, with rally fans gathering at Uhuru Park in Nairobi to cheer on the drivers.
