[PHOTOS] Ruto announces State exit from funding Safari Rally

President William Ruto has announced that the government will withdraw from promoting the iconic Safari Rally Kenya beginning next year.

The move marks a significant change in how the internationally recognised motorsport event will be financed.

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Speaking in Naivasha on Sunday, March 15, during the closing ceremony of this year’s rally, the president said the government will stop funding the event from next year.

He added that responsibility for promoting and financing the competition will be handed over entirely to the private sector.

"This is the last Safari Rally where we will be spending public money to promote. From next year, this event will be fully funded and supported by the private sector," Ruto stated.

The move follows an earlier announcement by the Ministry of Sports, Kenya, that it had entered into an agreement with private sector partners to play a leading role in coordinating the just-concluded World Rally Championship round in Kenya.

The ministry said the arrangement was meant to reduce the financial burden on the government when hosting global events.

The President’s announcement also comes as discussions continue over Kenya’s future on the WRC calendar, with the country’s current hosting agreement nearing its expiry.

Since returning to the championship calendar in 2021 after a 19-year absence, the Safari Rally Kenya has once again become one of the most iconic and demanding events in global motorsport.

Kenya secured hosting rights for the Safari Rally Kenya after reaching an agreement with the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) to include the event in the World Rally Championship calendar through 2026.

The original arrangement covered five years before it was later extended by an extra year to accommodate the 2026 edition.

Reports now indicate that discussions are ongoing between the government and FIA officials to secure a further five-year extension.

The rally continues to play a vital role in Kenya’s sports tourism sector, attracting thousands of fans and generating business opportunities for traders and hospitality operators, particularly in Nakuru County.