More than 300 youths took to the streets to protest the WRC organizers claiming they have never profited from the worldwide event in their city.

Protesters slowed business in the lakeside town by engaging anti-riot police officers in running fights.

They were perplexed as to why they were being excluded from job possibilities generated by the rally, even though they should be the primary benefactors because they were the hosts.

PHOTO | COURTESY Naivasha protests

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 Group leader Simon Wakaba said that This is Naivasha's third year hosting the prestigious international event. However, the organizers bring personnel from outside this municipality; preparations have been ongoing for months, but no locals have been recruited. 

He requested that Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba intervene and ensure that locals be included in the event from start to finish.

He added that President William Ruto promised area residents that they would be given first priority in job and employment opportunities, which has not happened.

Wakaba chastised local authorities for neglecting to advocate for and fighting for residents when non-locals are given non-skilled jobs.

Another student, Mathew Ariri, stated that the business community, particularly hoteliers, had complained about the WRC organizers and exclusion.


Telecommunications giant Safaricom, on the other hand, has injected ksh 25 million into the championships. Safaricom's sponsorship will help the Kenyan FIA Rally Stars Programme, which has chosen three drivers to compete in the WRC3 category, driving Rally 3 Ford Fiestas: McRae Kimathi, Hamza Anwar, and Jeremiah Wahome. This program is partnered with Kenya Airways (KQ), the official airline of Kenya.

 Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom, said they are pleased to participate in this historic occasion. As part of their dedication to fostering sports talent in the nation, during the past two years, their relationship with Kenya Airways has allowed them to support the WRC Safari Rally and develop young drivers through the FIA Rally Star program.