Table of Contents
- Budget cuts for WRC Safari Rally in Kenya from 2023 according to The Kenyan President are necessitating corporate sponsorship
- The government trimmed its budget for the event in 2023 and in the subsequent two years
- In 2023, the government spent Ksh2.1 billion ($16.2 million) for the WRC event while in 2024, the Sports ministry allocated Ksh1.3 billion for the event
President William Ruto has launched a fresh appeal to the corporate sector following the government’s budget cuts for WRC Safari Rally in Kenya from 2023.
The Kenyan President said the World Rally Championship (WRC) in Kenya is in critical need of corporate sponsorship. The government trimmed its budget for the event in 2023 and in the subsequent two years.
Speaking on Thursday at City Hall Way in Nairobi, Ruto said corporates are the rally’s saving grace.
“I wish to thank our corporate sponsors for their invaluable contribution to this year’s Safari Rally. I encourage more private sector players to partner with the government in hosting world-class events like this. The future of Safari Rally depends on increased private sector involvement,” The Star reports.
Budget Cuts for WRC Safari Rally
While lobbying the private sector following Kenya’s budget cuts for WRC Safari Rally, Ruto explained this move is aimed at reducing over-reliance on the government to fund the event.
President William Ruto speaking at the official Safari Rally Kenya 2025 ceremony in Nairobi. Photo/State House
In 2023, the government spent Ksh2.1 billion ($16.2 million) for the WRC event while in 2024, the Sports Ministry allocated Ksh1.3 billion for the event.
Fast forward, the ministry further trimmed this budget to Ksh980 billion ($7.5 million) in 2025.
How Much Money was Raised Through Sponsorship in 2025?
According to President Ruto, the Safari Rally Organizing Committee raised at least Ksh400 million ($3 million) in sponsorship. He lauded the committee’s effort in raising this amount noting that it’s a pointer that even with budget cuts for WRC Safari Rally, corporates are ready to step in.
His dream is that the World Rally Championship in Kenya gets to a self-funding level where the government foots no cost.
He sees it all possible with the inclusion of the private sector. The Kenyan government will, in turn, provide the ground for the event.
Kenya’s national carrier, Kenya Airways is among the biggest sponsors of the WRC Safari Rally 2025. KQ CEO Allan Kilavuka restated the airline’s commitment to sponsoring the event.
It sponsored ticket events worth Ksh30 million ($231,928) and an additional Ksh20 million ($154,619) for FIA Young Rally champions.
Is Kenya Leaving FIA World Safari Rally Championship?
WRC Safari Rally in action in Naivasha Kenya. The rally continues to attract top rallr drivers in the world. Photo/Delfin Tours
Despite budget cuts for WRC Safari Rally, Kenya reaffirmed its place in the WRC and the FIA. Ruto stated the event is part of Kenya’s longstanding rallying heritage since 1953.
He considers it an honour that Kenya hosts this exclusive FIA WRC circuit event in Africa.
The real action is going down in Naivasha, a scenic region within the Rift Valley with the right terrain for rallying.
Some of the popular Kenyan drivers participating in this year’s event include the veteran driver Hamza Anwar, Karl Tundo, Jeremiah Wahome and Karan Patel.
Kalle Rovanperä, the defending champion under Toyota Gazoo Racing will race against fellow teammate Elfyn Evans currently leading the WRC series.
Thierry Neuville who won the WRC series champion in 2024 is also on the ground. The event kicked off on March 20 and is expected to end on March 23 when the winner will be crowned.
Ruto also rallied Kenyans to turn up for the event in large numbers and support local drivers who continue making the country proud in every FIA and WRC event.
