A five-time Safari Rally champion has voiced his frustration over the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally, claiming that it has contributed to the decline of local motorsports in Kenya.
The experienced driver, who emerged as the top finisher in the 2025 WRC 2 category behind Briton Gus Greensmith, expressed concerns about how the prestigious event has sidelined the local rally scene. Despite his strong performance, he was placed 14th overall after his main Kenyan competitor, the African champion, exited the rally on Friday due to car troubles at the newly introduced Camp Moran stage.
Meanwhile, Toyota’s Elfyn Evans secured victory at the 2025 WRC Safari Rally, marking back-to-back wins in this year’s World Rally Championship and his maiden triumph in Kenya. The event attracted widespread excitement, with fans from across the region, particularly from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, flocking to Naivasha to witness the spectacle.
While the rally has been a thrilling event for fans, many Kenyan drivers are dissatisfied with its presence. The veteran driver questioned the impact of the WRC event on local talent, pointing out that despite the rally’s prestige, it has done little to support the growth of Kenyan motorsports.
“We love having WRC here, but what has it done for local drivers?” he asked.
He highlighted the lack of funding for domestic competitions, stating that no money has been invested into local motorsports despite the success of the WRC event. According to him, many drivers and fans are increasingly frustrated with the situation, as resources are heavily allocated to staging the international rally instead of developing Kenya’s own motorsport industry.
The cost of hosting this year’s WRC Safari Rally was approximately Ksh980 million, a figure that the driver believes could have been better utilized by allocating a portion of the budget to local rallying. He argued that while the WRC brings international attention to Kenya, the country’s own drivers and competitions are suffering due to a lack of financial support.
Local motorsport enthusiasts share similar concerns, lamenting that while the event boosts tourism and global recognition, it has failed to contribute to the development of homegrown talent. Many feel that Kenyan rallying has been pushed to the sidelines, with the government and sponsors prioritizing the global competition at the expense of domestic racing.
With increasing frustration among local drivers and fans, there are growing calls for a more balanced approach to motorsport funding. Advocates are urging organizers to ensure that Kenyan rallying also benefits from the resources being poured into the WRC event. By redirecting some of the funds to grassroots development, local competitions, and infrastructure, the future of Kenyan motorsports could be safeguarded while still enjoying the benefits of hosting an international event.
The debate continues as stakeholders weigh the economic benefits of the WRC against the need to support local drivers. Unless a solution is found, Kenyan motorsport risks further decline, leaving talented local drivers without the resources to compete at the highest level.
