Major changes lined up as 2024 Safari Rally gears up for thrilling adventure

With less than 80 days to the 2024 Safari Rally, the organizing committee is leaving no stone unturned in making it a resounding success.

The Safari Rally is the third round of the 2024 World Rally Championships after this month's Rallye Monte (January 25-28) and Rally Sweden (February 15-18).

It will start at the iconic Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi on March 28.

Change in dates

This year's edition of the WRC Safari Rally reverts back to its traditional Easter holiday, promising an increased number of attendees. It will happen from March 28-31.

Changes in rally podium ceremonies

This year, plans are underway to adjust the rally's podium ceremonies' location and concentrate them at the end of the Hells Gate Power Stage rather than at the Wildlife Research and Training Institute in Naivasha town.

According to Cabinet Secretary (CS) in charge of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports Mr Ababu Namwamba, the change around the podium ceremonies will help in minimizing the logistical challenges faced in the previous years.

"Hustlers' Bazaar" initiative

CS Namwamba noted that the "Hustlers' Bazaar" initiative launched during the 2022 rally will be more vibrant this year.

Its aim will be to offer locals a chance to reap the economic benefits of the rally. In addition, the CS pointed out that the team will be bolstered by the appointment of additional officials who will be in charge of security, traffic, social media, community and public liaison, commercialization and merchandising.

All these will be aimed at raising the global viewership to surpass the 80 million figures recorded in 2022. Media reports from last year's WRC have not been released.

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New faces in organizing committee

This year's committee has been bolstered by a blend of youth and experience, making it more exciting.

Vintage rally driver Jim Kahumbura leads the committee as the event director. The new faces in the event management team include Chris Kirwa (Assistant Event Director), Hudson Ojiambo, Vincent Kaduki (Assistant Clerks of the Course), Tabitha Nashipae (Assistant to Route Liaison), Jenny Dance, Douglas Makhuko (Competitor Relations Officers) and Mark Linus Makhulo (Deputy Service Park Co-ordinator).

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Elias Makori will maintain his post as the National Press Officer with the media accreditation window opening on January 28 and closing on March 7 for the national media and March 13 for international media.

"We have selected a great team that includes experienced and young officials for this important event. The Safari Rally has had an immense impact on the Kenyan heritage and we pride ourselves as a nation with this championship," the Cabinet Secretary said.

The CS urged the new team to move with speed and maintain the event's world class standards.