The 2023 WRC Safari Rally will take place in Naivasha, Nakuru County, from June 22 to 25 and has received a Sh 25 million sponsorship from Safaricom's mobile money service, M-PESA.
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.
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A global effort called "FIA Rally Star" attempts to find, develop, and train promising young drivers between the ages of 17 and 28.
Aside from the sponsorship, Safaricom and the rally competitors will participate in a tree-planting campaign to commemorate the 2023 WRC Safari Rally as part of the telco's sustainability goal.
Phineas Kimathi, CEO of the WRC Safari Rally and President of the Kenya Motorsport Federation, said that Safaricom has always provided them with steadfast assistance. The company is unequalled in its commitment to developing new talent in Kenya, and they are prepared for this year's Safari Rally. Kimathi urges everyone to attend in big numbers to cheer on the drivers.
Thirty-four participants have signed up for the 2023 Safari Rally, including Kalle Rovanpera, the current WRC points leader and reigning Safari Rally champion.
Sébastien Ogier, the 2021 WRC Safari Rally Champion, Ott Tänak, Evans Elfyn, Thierry Neuville, Esapekka Lappi, Dani Sordo, Katsuta Takamoto, and Solberg Oliver are other well-known international drivers who have declared their participation.
The rest of the Kenyan team comprises Patel Karan, Tundo Carl, Virani Aakif, Canobbio Piero, Singh Vohra Samman, Kavisi Evans, Rathod Minesh, and Kariuki Josiah.
