President Ruto Celebrates Successful Conclusion of 2025 WRC Safari Rally
Kenyan President William Ruto praised the successful conclusion of the 2025 WRC Safari Rally, highlighting the significant turnout from spectators and the event’s economic contributions. He awarded top finishers and noted the government’s efforts to secure the rally’s future in the WRC. The rally featured extensive competitive stages, showcasing Kenya’s capability to host international sporting events.
President William Ruto of Kenya commended the safe conclusion of the 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally during the closing ceremony held in Naivasha. He expressed gratitude to attendees from both domestic and international backgrounds, emphasizing their contribution to making the event memorable. This year saw a significant increase in spectators, with tens of thousands gathered at the Rally Village and along the routes, a testament to the rally’s popularity since its return to the WRC calendar in 2021.
The event entailed challenging traffic conditions on the final day, particularly for fans heading to Hell’s Gate National Park to witness the conclusion of the rally. Ruto highlighted that this event, alongside other prestigious competitions such as the African Nations Championship, signifies Kenya’s capacity to host world-class sporting events. He noted that such activities invigorate the economy and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting them.
During the ceremony, Ruto presented awards to the top three finishers: Elfyn Evans of Britain, Ott Tanak from Estonia, and Thierry Neuville of Belgium, who finished third. Carl Tundo was also honored for being the first Kenyan to finish the rally, taking 15th place overall. Ruto remarked on the participants’ resilience, noting their ability to navigate one of the most challenging motorsport events globally.
In conjunction with the successful event, the Kenyan government and WRC Promoter are currently negotiating to extend the Safari Rally’s contract within the WRC beyond its expiration in 2026. The current agreement was previously lengthened in 2024, originally intended to last five years. This year’s Safari Rally featured an extensive competitive format with 21 stages, totaling 384.86 kilometers, marking it as the longest event in the 2025 WRC circuit.
In conclusion, the 2025 WRC Safari Rally was a remarkable success, celebrating Kenya’s capabilities in hosting major sporting events. President Ruto’s acknowledgment of the event’s safe conclusion and the economic benefits it brings reinforces the importance of such competitions. With ongoing negotiations to extend the Safari Rally in WRC, Kenya’s motorsport future appears promising.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
