Kenya’s return to the World Rally Championship (WRC) will take place in 2021 due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. After discussions between the Government, WRC promoter, and the International Automobile Association, the decision came to postpone the event.
“Postponing the event to 2021 was not a simple decision to make, “reads a statement from Amina Mohamed, the CS Sports, and Culture. However, we are cognizant of the present global challenges and assure that the Safari Rally will make a significant part of our country’s history as was intended for the next three years,” Amina continues.
Nevertheless, the preparation for the event will continue as Kenya prepares to offer a world-class event. Amina’s statement reveals that groundwork is already in place. The organizing team is in its final stages of completing a Service Park in Nakuru in due time.
“The organizing teams continue to work hard to make sure that we deliver a world-class event. We have also completed the Event Safety Plan. Itinerary and supplementary regulations are all delivered within the given FIA and WRC timelines and will move forward to complete all given necessary arrangements,” said Phineas Kimathi, CEO of the WRC Safari Rally project.
Read Also: Kenya Readmitted to World Rally Championship (WRC) after 18 Years
Last year, the WRC readmitted Kenya in the WRC series after 18 years, since a fallout in 2002. The seventh round of the WRC set to take place July 16-19 will now take place in 2021.
“We greatly regret this decision, but there was no choice given the current global situation. The championship has a duty of care to all stakeholders as well as the wider community, and this remains our key focus,” said WRC Promoting MD Oliver Ciesla.
