President William Ruto has praised Kenya’s corporate sector for its crucial role in making the 2024 WRC Safari Rally a success through increased sponsorship. He urged more private partners to step in and collaborate with the government to further boost motorsport in the country.
Ruto emphasized that the future of the WRC Safari Rally depends on greater private sector involvement, which has already led to a significant reduction in government spending on the event. He revealed that this year, the government spent Sh980 million—down from Sh2.1 billion in 2023.
“I remember that this rally cost the government Sh2.1 billion in 2023. I gave firm instructions to the ministry to bring that figure down. In 2024, it dropped by Sh800 million to Sh1.3 billion, and this year, it reduced by another Sh300 million,” he stated.
Speaking at KICC on Thursday while flagging off the race, Ruto expressed optimism that with continued corporate participation, government expenditure on the event could eventually be eliminated entirely.
“I am looking forward to the day when this will cost the government of Kenya zero, and the private sector will fully take it up,” he remarked, noting that businesses benefit from the advertising and exposure that comes with sponsoring the event.
He also commended WRC organizers for raising over Sh400 million in direct and indirect support, further strengthening Kenya’s position as a key player in global motorsport.
