President William Ruto has expressed his optimism about the viewership of the highly anticipated 2024 WRC Safari Rally.
The WRC 2024 is scheduled to take place from March 28 to 31 in Naivasha.
The President said that he anticipates this year's viewership will reach 100 million.
"The Safari Rally's global impact cannot be overstated. Through the years, it has remained in the lead as the WRC broadcasts in over 150 countries around the world. Last year, it attracted an encouraging viewership of 80 million; this year, we expect it to do even better and reach 100 million," he said.
He said there has been a surge in the number of visitors to the country which is attributed to the rally.
Ruto said the venues intensify media coverage of the country's attractiveness, and the global attention generated boosts the economy.
The President said that it boosts local businesses' incomes, increasing direct and indirect jobs, and attracting local and foreign investment in tourism, catering and accommodation infrastructure, facilities and services.
"These inject billions of shillings into the economy, in keeping with the strategic vision set out in the bottom-up economic transformation agenda," he added.
Ruto said that WRC is a special Easter holiday gift for families and other groups to bond over a thrilling spectacle.
"For millions of people across the globe, the rally is a captivating showpiece where human skill and endurance, together with the epitome of rugged automotive technology are put to the test on the daunting terrain of Naivasha's glorious landscape."
He said that through the WRC, Kenya’s position as a top destination for motorsports has been placed beyond debate.
The President thanked the International Automobile Federation for its decision to reinstate Kenya to the World Rallying Championship calendar.
"For our part, we have done our utmost to deliver yet another exhilarating edition of the Safari Rally after a successful event last year," he said.
"We are therefore thoroughly prepared to receive rally enthusiasts from around the world, greet them with the epic contest of high-speed racing, and treat them to the warmth, hospitality and generosity of the Kenyan people."
The World Rally Championship is an international rallying series owned and governed by the FIA.
Inaugurated in 1973, it is the second oldest of the FIA's world championships after Formula One.
Each season lasts one calendar year, and separate championship titles are awarded to drivers, co-drivers and manufacturers.
The Safari Rally Kenya marks the third round of the 2024 World Rally Championships, following Rallye Monte and Rally Sweden in January and February respectively.