President William Ruto has commended the corporate sector for its pivotal role in making the 2024 WRC Safari Rally Kenya a success, emphasizing the need for greater private sector involvement in motorsport funding.
Speaking during the official flag-off ceremony at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Thursday, Ruto highlighted the significant reduction in government expenditure on the event. He revealed that the government’s financial input had dropped from Sh2.1 billion in 2023 to Sh980 million this year, attributing this achievement to increased corporate sponsorship.
“I remember that this rally cost the government Sh2.1 billion in 2023. I gave firm instructions to the ministry that the figure should come down. I am happy that in 2024, it reduced by Sh800 million to Sh1.3 billion, and I insisted that this year it must cost even less. I am happy again that it came down by Sh300 million,” Ruto stated.
The President noted that the 2025 rally has been organized through a whole-of-government approach, with the aim of further reducing state expenditure. He expressed optimism that with continued corporate involvement, government spending on the rally could eventually be eliminated entirely.
“I am looking forward to the day when this will cost zero to the government of Kenya and the private sector will take it up,” he remarked. “They need the advertising, they need the profiling. The government is willing to cede the ground and allow private companies to shine in the glory of this great event.”
Ruto also acknowledged the WRC Safari Rally organizers for raising over Sh400 million, both directly and indirectly, in support of the event. He reiterated the government’s commitment to fully backing an initiative by the WRC Safari Rally project and Toyota Gazoo Racing to train Kenyan drivers and mechanics, a move aimed at fostering local motorsport talent.
Toyota Gazoo Racing, the motorsport division of Japanese car manufacturer Toyota, has been actively involved in rally sponsorship and development programs in Kenya. This collaboration, Ruto noted, will enhance the country’s standing in global motorsport and provide opportunities for local talent to compete at the highest levels.
