Weatherman Issues Rainfall Alert For Drivers & Kenyans Attending WRC Safari Rally

The event, which is the third round of the FIA World Rally Championship, is expected to be test of endurance for both participants and spectators.

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Mar 28, 2024 - 18:09
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Weatherman Issues Rainfall Alert For Drivers & Kenyans Attending WRC Safari Rally
WRC Rally cars battle it out during the Super Special Stage of the 2024 Safari Rally at Kasarani, Nairobi on March 28, 2024. /WRC

The World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally, considered to many as the ultimate test of man and machine, kicked off on Thursday, March 28 in Nairobi with the flag-off and Super Special Stage at Kasarani.

From here, the action moves to Naivasha from Friday, March 29 to Sunday, March 31 promising an exhilarating blend of high-speed competition and challenging terrains.

The event, which is the third round of the FIA World Rally Championship, is expected to be test of endurance for both participants and spectators.

However, the WRC drivers and spectators won't be so happy to know that the Kenya Meteorological Department has issued an alert for potential rainfall over the rally weekend, coming after different parts of the country, including Nairobi, witnessed heavy rainfall.

Map showing weather forecast over Kenya between March 27, 2024 and April 3, 2024. /KENYA METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT

"Participants & spectators at the Naivasha #WRCSafariRally2024 should be prepared for potential rainfall over the weekend, with intermittent sunny intervals likely.

"Keep an eye on the weather forecast and pack accordingly will ensure a smooth experience despite the rain," the weatherman stated in part.

The rainfall thus adds an extra layer of unpredictability in terms of weather patterns during the rally, thus emphasizing the importance of keeping an eye on the weather forecast as well as preparing and packing accordingly.

The Kenyan leg of the WRC Safari Rally takes drivers through some of Africa's most treacherous landscapes in courses expected to challenge competitors' skill and grit with its mix of mud, rocks, sand, and daunting water crossings, making it a true adventure.

This year, the rally has attracted a remarkable lineup of 29 entries, featuring top contenders from across the globe, ready to take on the demanding Kenyan terrains​.

Among them is Kalle Rovanpera, who is aiming to reclaim his Safari Rally title which he won in 2022, having lost it to teammate Sebastien Ogier last year in a feat where Team Toyota made history.

The Safari Rally is not just a motorsport event; it's a significant economic booster for Kenya, expected to inject Ksh7 billion into the economy.

With over 300 rally personnel, including foreign drivers and teams, and a large number of journalists and rally enthusiasts descending on Naivasha, the event is set to be a memorable one.

So popular is it that President William Ruto, while speaking in Nairobi during the flagging off of the 2024 WRC Safari Rally, directed the Sports Ministry led by Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba to consider extending it from the traditional three day period to five days.

The head of state urged CS Namwamba to work with the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and extend the duration of the event by two days.

“I think it is time to consider the request by drivers to return the rally to the five days it used to be,” he commented.

The Safari Rally made its comeback to the traditional Easter weekend dates for the first time since 1998.

It is anticipated to draw huge crowds, with a public holiday on the Monday (April 1) following the rally's conclusion adding to the unique allure of this year's edition​.

President William Ruto flagging off the WRC Safari Rally at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on March 28, 2024. /PCS

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