Happening Now: Vetting of Gender CS nominee Hannah Wendot Cheptumo
Naivasha service park comes alive ahead of Safari Rally
A forklift transports a securely crated Toyota Gazoo Racing rally car at the Naivasha Service Park on March 15, 2024.
What you need to know:
- With Naivasha experiencing dry conditions in recent weeks, drivers are bracing for dusty terrain.
- “As a former rally driver, I would prefer rains pounding the rally routes because that is the joy of any driver at a rally like the WRC Safari Rally. Some foreign drivers have never encountered mud, and it would be interesting to see how they navigate in such conditions,” said Muchiri.
The Service Park at the Wildlife Training and Research Institute in Naivasha was a hive of activity on Saturday as mechanics worked tirelessly to assemble rally cars ahead of the highly anticipated 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally.
With state-of-the-art equipment at their disposal, the skilled mechanics showcased precision and speed, offering a valuable learning experience for local Jua Kali artisans eager to pick up new skills. The coordination was seamless, resembling a well-oiled machine as parts came together in record time.
A hydraulic car jack lifted the vehicles nearly a meter high, making the installation of brand-new suspension, springs, and tires effortless. “Fixing a suspension took less than three minutes, while changing a tire was done in a record two minutes,” one observer marveled.
“All the teams and mechanics are on the ground fixing the cars, and the Service Park activities are gathering momentum ahead of the Safari Rally,” said Service Park Manager Joel Muchiri. He added, “Outside the Service Park, we’re doing the final touches to make sure the 2025 WRC Safari Rally is successful.”
Muchiri highlighted that the national government had upgraded several earth roads in areas like Eburru to improve infrastructure for both rally teams and locals.
“The government's intention is to make sure the locals benefit from improved infrastructure like roads where the cars will be racing so that they can enjoy the hosting of the WRC Safari Rally in Kenya,” he said.
Addressing concerns about local engagement, Muchiri dismissed claims by bloggers and activists that organisers were sidelining the community in non-technical roles. He revealed that at least 72 youths from Naivasha had been hired for the four-day sporting event that runs from Thursday to Sunday.
“We have engaged the locals, and some of them are working as marshals. Those interested in future opportunities should register with motorsport clubs in Nakuru County to gain experience in both international and local service parks,” said Muchiri, a former rally driver.
Meanwhile, Naivasha’s hospitality sector is booming, with hotels fully booked and camping sites thriving as rally teams occupy spaces in the lakeside town.
“Business is good; I can’t complain. We’re fully booked up to March 31. This is good income. I have been forced to hire casual staff,” said a hotelier.
The Safari Rally kicks off at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Thursday before heading to Kasarani for the Super Special Stage. Spectators outside Nairobi will get their first taste of the action at Mzabibu near Naivasha Service Park, where drivers will kick up dust along a thrilling 4.5-kilometre stretch.
With Naivasha experiencing dry conditions in recent weeks, drivers are bracing for dusty terrain.
“As a former rally driver, I would prefer rains pounding the rally routes because that is the joy of any driver at a rally like the WRC Safari Rally. Some foreign drivers have never encountered mud, and it would be interesting to see how they navigate in such conditions,” said Muchiri.