Kenya is poised to become the first country in the world to roll out the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA)’s Affordable Cross Car Project, marking a milestone in the global effort to make motorsport more accessible.

President William Ruto, speaking at the conclusion of the 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally at Hell’s Gate National Park on Sunday, March 23, 2025, announced the government’s full backing for the initiative.

The project, he said, will involve local technical training colleges in the manufacturing of affordable cross cars, providing young Kenyans with new opportunities in motorsport.

“I am particularly excited about the cross-car project which, with the support of the FIA, WRC Promoter and ASN, will work with technical training colleges to manufacture the cars locally,” Ruto said.

The president noted that the project will serve as an incubation hub to nurture Kenyan talent.

The Ministry of Sports, through the Motorsports Academy, will spearhead the program, which aims to nurture future drivers and automotive technicians.

According to Ruto, the initiative represents a broader push to develop sports-related technical skills and provide a pathway for aspiring motorsport professionals.

“This initiative is aimed at planting a seed for the development of young talent in motorsport, including trainees as young as 8 years old. The Ministry of Sports, through the Motorsports Academy, will oversee this initiative, ensuring it provides the necessary resources and opportunities for the next generation of drivers and technicians,” Ruto added.

The FIA’s Affordable Cross Car Project is designed to democratize access to motorsport by providing a cost-effective, locally-producible vehicle.

FIA Vice-President Rodrigo Rocha, speaking at the Safari Rally Media Centre on Friday, March 21, 2025, underscored the project’s aim to break down financial barriers for aspiring drivers worldwide.

“Motorsport is very expensive, and often, the best talents are hidden behind financial difficulties. This project is about creating a car that can be built almost anywhere in the world using locally available components,” Rocha said.

Rocha confirmed that the FIA has already provided the Kenyan government with technical drawings and blueprints to kickstart production.

He emphasized that the vehicles are designed to be used across multiple seasons with consistent specifications, ensuring affordability and sustainability.

“We presented this concept to the Kenyan government, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. President Ruto’s commitment ensures that Kenya is the ideal place to roll out this initiative, offering local talent the chance to compete globally,” Rocha said.

The cross car, capable of navigating diverse terrains such as sand, gravel, and asphalt, is expected to cost under USD 10,000 (approximately Ksh1.2 million) and remain competitive for up to five years. Rocha likened the project’s cost-effectiveness to other sports.

“If you follow athletics, you could spend more than that in five years just buying new shoes,” he remarked.

The program will be implemented through the Automobile Association of Kenya (AAK), the FIA’s local affiliate.

As part of the rollout, FIA personnel will train Kenyan drivers using the standardized cross-car model, ensuring they meet international competition standards.