President flags off the 2011 KCB Safari Rally

Written By:PPS,    Posted: Fri, Jun 17, 2011

KBC's Pauline Sheghu co-driven by Kimaru Kipchilat of the Presidential Press Service in a Subaru Impreza is among the ladies joining the fray in this KCB Safari rally It was pomp and colour at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre Friday as President Mwai Kibaki flagged off the 59th edition of the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Safari Rally. Speaking before flagging off the rally cars, President Kibaki urged the Kenya Sports Federation and relevant Government departments to strive to meet the conditions set by the International Federation of Automobiles so that the country could regained its World Rally Status. "In order for us to succeed in strengthening motor sports in the country, I call upon the Motor Sports Federation to ensure that motor sports are developed to international standards", the President said. On its part, President Kibaki said, the Government will continue to invest more resources in strengthening the sports industry through provision of relevant sports equipment and infrastructure as it recognized the potential of sports in marketing the country. He assured the motor rallying fraternity in the country of the Government's full support, noting that the reinstatement of the K.C.B. Safari Rally to a World Rally Championship event will not only raise the rally's profile but also attract the world's top drivers to compete in the event every year. "Moreover, the sport exposes our beautiful countryside - with its rich flora and fauna - to the world through television coverage of the rally which is watched by millions of sports fans around the world.  This event, therefore, not only earns foreign exchange but also markets our country as a tourist and investment destination," President Kibaki said. The Head of State also reassured that the Government will continue to seek more avenues to provide training so as to develop the sporting talent in the country and challenged the corporate organizations to take advantage of sports events by participating as sponsors and using them as a medium to advertise their products to world markets. President Kibaki thanked the organizing committee, the Kenya Motor Sports Federation, the title sponsors, Kenya Commercial Bank, the rally drivers, car manufacturers and crew for their separate roles in the challenging event. The President wished all the drivers and their crew a safe Safari and a happy stay in Kenya. Speaking during the occasion, Sports Minister Dr. Paul Otuoma said his ministry is working with other stakeholders to step up safety and supervisory standards as required by FIA, the international body that governs auto racing. Dr. Otuoma also called on the organizers of the KCB Safari Rally 2011 to use it as a dress rehearsal for the bigger rallying event in 2013. Other speakers included KCB Group Chairman Mr. Peter Muthoka and the Chairman of Kenya Motor Sports Foundation Mr. Jim Kahumbura.