President William Ruto has called on private sector players to help sponsor various stages of the Kenyan edition of the WRC Safari Rally.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the event, which was held at Hell's Gate on Sunday, Ruto said that while the event is heavily sponsored by the government, there is plenty of room for private sector players.
He said that the private sector can better manage the motorsport event that has followers from all over the continent.
Ruto said that if well managed, the sector can get great positive gains from the event.
"This event today is heavily sponsored by the government of Kenya, yet there are opportunities for the private sector to participate in this event. I want to ask the private sector, this event is watched by 170 countries around the globe, this event is watched by 85 million people in Africa, Kenya and elsewhere. This event has had close to 50 Television stations airing it in different formats," the President said.
"This is an event every business person, and every entrepreneur would want to support. I want to invite the private sector to take over this event and manage it better and gain from it in a very positive way."
He added that the government even with the private sector in place, the Kenyan government will still support the World Rally Championship.
Ruto insisted that the private sector coming on board would be beneficial to all.
He further noted that their participation will make the event cost-effective and the experience much better.
"We are willing to cede space as government, we will continue to backstop and to support this event. I would like to encourage the private sector, and people in enterprise to participate in this event and sponsor parts of this event so that we can benefit from what Safari Rally is," Ruto said.
"This will not only ensure that the event is cost-effective but also enhance the overall experience, making it truly magical."
Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Kalle Rovanpera is the winner of WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2024.
Rovanpera became a two-time winner of Safari Rally Kenya on Sunday afternoon, securing a dominant victory at the head of a 1-2 finish for Toyota Gazoo Racing.
He finished comfortably clear of GR Yaris team-mate Takamoto Katsuta while M-Sport Ford's Adrien Fourmaux completed the podium.
Rovanpera won with a 1m 37.8s victory margin, having led since Friday morning. It was Rovanpera’s 12th career victory.
