Safaricom has today announced a Ksh6 million sponsorship for the tenth edition of the East African Safari Classic Rally through its M-Pesa platform.
The nine-day rally, which kicks off on February 10 and runs until the 18th is expected to feature a record number of Kenyan and International drivers from more than 15 countries around the world covering up to 5,000 kilometers across the country.
“Safaricom has been a key supporter of the East African Classic Safari Rally for the last two editions. Our involvement in this event underlines our commitment to nurture talent in sports. By featuring local and international drivers, the rally provides an opportunity to empower and inspire more local drivers,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO Safaricom.
This year’s Classic Rally rekindles the spirit of the original Safari Rally, which put East Africa on the motorsport map and earned an unassailable reputation as the world’s toughest rally.
The rally will begin with a shakedown at Kedong ranch in Naivasha, before proceeding to Sarova Woodlands in Nakuru, Aberdare Prestige in Nanyuki for two days, Kilima Camp in Amboseli for three days, Salt Lick Lodge at Taita Hills, before concluding at Ocean Sports in Watamu, where the Prize Giving Gala will be held.
“We are glad to have Safaricom through its M-PESA Global and M-PESA App platforms being part of the tenth edition of East Africa Classic Safari Rally. The tenth edition is one of its kind as we will have a record number of participants from across the globe, which is a sharp increase in number from the past editions,” said Joey Ghose Chairman, East African Safari Classic Rally.
The East African Classic Safari Rally has been running every two years since 2003 and is open to two-wheel drive, naturally aspirated rally cars built before 1985. The race aims to showcase the beauty of the East African landscape with vehicles racing through world-famous game parks, with overnight stops at the region’s finest lodges and hotels.
The previous winners of the Classic include legends of motorsport including Björn Waldegård, Ian Duncan, Stig Blomqvist and local driver Carl “Flash” Tundo.
