By Timothy Ongaya
The 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally was officially flagged off at Nairobi’s City Hall by President William Ruto, marking the beginning of the rally’s competitive stages.
The event has attracted over 50 drivers from around the world, all eager to compete in one of the most challenging rallies on the WRC calendar.
This year’s rally features new stages and the addition of a rally village at Morendat, enhancing the overall experience for both competitors and spectators.
One of the key highlights during the flag-off was the focus on road safety. Led by Francis Theuri, the Group Managing Director, AA Kenya is at the forefront in promoting safety on the roads. AA Kenya has partnered with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the FIA Foundation, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Bodaplus, and the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya to tackle the rising number of road accidents involving motorcycles. Their collective efforts aim to promote the use of quality helmets, ensuring safer rides for thousands of Kenyan motorcyclists.
Through the FIA Helmet Wearing Programme, AA Kenya is working to make high-quality helmets accessible to riders across the country. The initiative also stresses the importance of rider training, with a focus on reducing fatalities and injuries.
The rally itself promises to be a thrilling spectacle. With new stages designed to challenge the skill and endurance of the drivers, the event is set to push participants to their limits.
The rally village at Morendat will offer spectators an immersive experience, bringing fans closer to the action than ever before.
John Azibel, the Managing Director of WRC Safari Rally Kenya, highlighted the growing global interest in the event. “Kenya is now number one when it comes to watching rally events on TV,” Azibel remarked, noting the sport’s increasing popularity in the region.
Officials from the East African Community (EAC) were also present at the flag-off, underscoring the regional significance of the event.
In his speech, President Ruto stressed the critical role the private sector will play in Kenya’s future growth. “The future of this country is predicated upon the private sector,” he said, encouraging local businesses to engage and seize the economic opportunities created by high-profile events like the WRC Safari Rally.
With a strong focus on safety and an exciting array of stages, the 2025 WRC Safari Rally is shaping up to be a memorable event, providing thrilling action for fans and sparking vital discussions around road safety.