The World Rally Championship will promote Kenya’s tourism sector and boost the hospitality industry, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said on Wednesday night.
While marketing the tourism sites to foreign dignitaries visiting Kenya to watch the WRC Safari Rally, the Deputy President asked the rally enthusiasts to visit other tourism sites such as coastal beaches and country’s wildlife parks before ending their stay in the country.
“Once you are done with the WRC Rally, sample the best of what our tourism sector offers such as our wildlife, our exotic beaches at the coastline and dance to our African music,” he told the hundreds of rally fans, drivers and navigators in Nairobi.
He spoke on Wednesday after launching Talanta Motorsport Academy at the Kenya Academy of Sports in Kasarani, Nairobi.
The facility will be used to promote early identification of sports talents and training of sports technical and administration personnel as well as conducting sports research.
Statistics from the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife indicate that Kenya’s international tourists increased last year to 1.75 million, up from 1.48 million recorded in 2022. Earnings also surged to USD2 billion in 2023 from USD1.66 billion in 2022.
Deputy President Gachagua said the 71st Safari Rally Edition, which is being held this year during its traditional Easter Season, will also promote Kenya as a motorsport destination.
He commended the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Mr Ababu Namwamba, Principal Secretaries Mr Peter Tum (Sports) and Mr Ismail Maalim (Youth Affairs and Creative Economy) and members of the WRC for organizing the event.
“Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba and his two PSs are the best for this job. The President made the best decision to pick him for this docket. I am a great enthusiast of sports and keeping fit. The Safari Rally presents the best and toughest championship terrain for drivers to test their skills,” he said.
“I am encouraged to see the young people participating because it shows our future in sports is well covered,” he added.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Sports, Tourism and Culture Mr Dan Wanyama, (who is also Webuye West MP), President of Kenya Motorsports Federation (KMSF) Mr Maina Muturi, and MPs Richard Yegon (Bomet East) and Bishop Jackson Kosgey (Nominated) and representatives of WRC were also present at the event.
On the new Talanta Motorsport Academy, the Deputy President said the initiative will offer sustainable growth of sports talents amongst the youth.
“We are unleashing the true spirit of the Talanta Hela Initiative and making meaningful strides of empowering individuals and turning talent into sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
Mr Gachagua added that the government is on course in its plan to place sports as a top income earner.
In addition, he said, the launch of the Talanta Motorsport Academy will elevate Kenya’s stature and command of the toughest motorsport in Africa and the globe.
Further, the Deputy President called on investors to work with the Government in investing in the motorsport industry and expand sporting opportunities for the youth.
