• In the last two events, traffic along the road and Naivasha-Mai Mahiu road was disrupted for hours due to the high number of revellers in the town.
• WRC head of hospitality Faith Wathome said no party had been licensed along Moi South Road.
Image: George Murage
The organisers of the World Rally Championship have outlawed partying along the Moi South Lake road in Naivasha during the international event that starts in two days.
In partnership with the Nakuru government, they have also banned hawking along the roads that will be used by the rally cars to prevent jam and insecurity.
In the last two events, traffic along the road and Naivasha-Mai Mahiu road was disrupted for hours due to the high number of revellers in the town.
WRC head of hospitality Faith Wathome said no party had been licensed along Moi South Road.
She said they are working with the Nakuru government to control hawking and ensure smooth flow of traffic.
“All our visitors have been accommodated in Naivasha and we expect the number of visitors to increase compared to last year,” Wathome said.
She said all hawkers would be accommodated in hustlers bazaars around spectator zones, away from the main roads.
Nakuru County Tourism Association chairman David Mwangi said hotels in Naivasha, Gilgil and Elementaita are fully booked.
He said business is better this year compared to last year, as the number of international and local visitors has increased.
“Though we have not been involved in the planning of this rally like before, our members are reporting full booking which is a positive for the sector,” he said.
Naivasha subcounty commissioner Mutua Kisilu told the Star on the phone that security had been intensified in the town and along routes that the rally drivers will use.
He said with the number of visitors in the town expected to rise, they had received more officers including GSU officers to deal with security.
Speaking at the weekend, Tourism and Wildlife CS Peninah Malonza said the country expects more than 800,000 visitors for the event.
“Despite the harsh economic times, we expect more than 800,000 visitors for the rally and all plans are in place to make this event successful,” she said.