President William Ruto has today announced that Safari Rally is set to be expanded into a five-day event. The rally, which is part of the World Rally Championship (WRC), has been a three-day sporting competition in recent years.

Speaking at the flagging-off ceremony for the 2024 WRC Safari Rally in Nairobi, President Ruto said his administration wants to fulfill requests from drivers to return the rally to its former five-day format.

“I think it is time to consider the request by drivers to return the rally to the five days it used to be,” Ruto stated.

The Kenyan government will work closely with the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and WRC organizers to make the extended five-day schedule a reality in the coming years.

Ruto indicated that lengthening the Safari Rally aims to drive economic growth through the widespread global media coverage and tourism influx surrounding the event.

“This will provide a major boost to our economy, increasing incomes for local businesses, creating jobs, and attracting investment in tourism, catering, and accommodation,” the president explained.

By scheduling the Safari Rally during the Easter holiday period each year, President Ruto hopes more people will be able to attend the off-road racing spectacle.

The Safari Rally has been part of the WRC calendar since 1973.