Kenya Motorsport Federation Chairman and Safari Rally CEO Phineas Kimathi is urging the government to consider allowing fans to witness the return of the iconic Safari Rally to the World Rally Championship, narrating that the event would go a long way in bringing back the lost exhilaration as well as boost revenue streams.
Quoting a report on the number of fans who have graced various editions of the WRC, the Chairman noted that in 2017 alone, cumulative TV viewership was in excess of 850million in over 150 television markets, Kenya being one of them. Additionally, there were 4.1 million spectators who physically attended the 13 WRC rallies.
Kimathi also noted that the WRC TV in conjunction with a local national broadcaster will highlight the entire WRC action for fans to follow at the comfort of their homes.
“I’m happy that this is finally happening, because it’s been a long journey. WRC TV, who have already landed three containers of broadcast material, will be able to produce, edit and transmit simultaneously to our local channel.” said the Safari Rally boss.
He also applauded President Uhuru Kenyatta who is the patron of the Safari Rally for having been committed to ensuring that the Rally is held in the highest of standards, as well as reiterating their resolve to ensure that all Kenyans will have access to the event that makes a comeback after 19-year hiatus.
The Chairman emphasized on how having fans at the rally would make the event more lively and that the government should consider hosting the event with fans - but under strict Covid 19 measures.