Kenya risks losing WRC status again

It took Kenya 19 years to regain the prestigious World Rally Championship (WRC) status, but the gains risk going down the drain again after just two years of the return of Safari Rally to the global stage.

Yesterday, according to a letter in possession of People Sport, local rally chiefs announced the cancellation of the Africa Rally Championships (ARC) Equator Rally that was supposed to be held in Voi between March 17 and 19, due to lack of funds. The announcement is a major blow to the Safari Rally, as the Equator rally has always been used as a dry run for the global event, to determine the country’s preparedness for the big showpiece.

“Due to the lack of sponsorship for the ARC Equator Rally, the FIA has been informed of the postponement of this year’s event and we have asked for a new date later in the year. 

Global calendar

“This decision is regretted and we hope we can raise funds for the round as we await communication from the FIA for a new date,” read a letter signed by Mwaura Njuguna on behalf of Kenya Motor Sport Federation (KMSF) chairman Phineas Kimathi.

Safari Rally which is expected to make an appearance in the global calendar has been scheduled as the seventh event in a 13-round WRC calendar, to be held in Naivasha between June 22 and 25. 

However, the cancellation of the Equator Rally and the omission of key players in a recent gazette notice announced by Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, may jeopardise the actualisation of the event which is believed to be bringing in Sh6 billion to the Kenyan economy annually.