Kenya extends new Safari Rally deal to 2026. PHOTO|COURTSEY

After a great series of stages in the 2021 WRC Safari Rally, Kenya has signed a new deal that extends up to 2026 in the World Rally. Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed and WRC Promoter GmbH Managing Director Jona Siebel signed the new contract at the Automobile Club of Monaco.

The 2022 World Rally Championship began on Friday with the French driver Sebastian Loeb grabbing his eighth Monte Carlo win becoming the oldest winner of a World Rally Championship. CS Amina Mohamed confirmed that the rally will be run from June 23 to 26th in Nairobi and Naivasha.

“We want to confirm that we are in the final stages of preparing for the 2022 edition of the Safari Rally,” she assured the WRC promoters.

She also acknowledged the WRC Rally was among President Uhuru Kenyatta’s manifesto.

“Thanks to His Excellency, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to the WRC circuit and promises to collaborate with the FIA to ensure the growth of World Rally Championship by funding the project in Kenya for the next five years and beyond.”

Siebel commended Kenya for setting up a great rally last year, rally drivers and fans all over the world enjoyed the rally back after 19 years. He also added that the new contract with Kenya to 2026 was the longest WRC ever signed.

“Having such an iconic event with such a strong tradition, heritage and the whole passion of the people means a lot for the growth of the WRC as a global championship,” he stated.

“It’s by far the longest contract we have ever signed and this is a strong, strong statement, isn’t it?”

CS Amina thanked the WRC and the FIA for the support they have given the country.