Organisers of World Rally Championship Safari Rally Kenya are aiming to increase global broadcast viewership numbers to 100 million for the event scheduled for March 28-31.
The competition, which will be the third round of the 2024 World Rally Championship Series, will be run over the Easter holidays and organisers expect the biggest fan turnout since the rally’s return to the global circuit three years ago.
In 2022, the WRC Safari Rally recorded a global viewership of about 80 million with media reports from last year’s competition still awaited.
The Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Namwamba set the ball rolling by formally unveiling the core team that “will ensure the delivery of a superb and memorable event once again.”
The team is led by legendary Kenyan rally driver Jim Kahumbura who serves as event director.
“We have selected a great team that includes experienced and young officials for this important event. The Safari Rally has had an immense impact on the Kenyan heritage and we pride ourselves as a nation with this championship,” the CS said.
He added: “I would like the team to harmoniously work together and create an atmosphere for fellow countrymen and women to sample the taste of the rally.”
“From karting to buggies, there’s incredible talent in the Kenyan motorsport ecosystem— please deliver an incredible event,” Namwamba urged the management team.
The CS noted that the “Hustlers’ Bazaar” initiative launched last year will be amplified this year to give a formidable platform to local traders and artists to enjoy the benefits of the WRC Safari Rally stage.
The sports ministry will also unveil a solid merchandising and marketing programme to take advantage of the Safari’s iconic status.
A significant shift takes place at the 2024 WRC Safari Rally Kenya with the return to the traditional Easter date, having been staged in June in the latest editions.
The change is anticipated to take the Kenyan round a notch higher in terms of atmosphere due to the Easter Holidays which means more spectators will make it to Naivasha to get a lifetime experience of the iconic Safari.
This year’s Safari Rally could also see a change in venue for the ceremonial finish podium, awards ceremony, and post-event press conference from the Service Park at the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) to the end of the Power Stage at the Hells Gate National Park.
The Safari is the third round of the 2024 World Rally Championships after this month’s Rallye Monte (Jan 25-28) and Rally Sweden (Feb 15-18) and will start at the iconic Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi on March 28.