Kenya facilitates over 60 Rwandans to experience Safari Rally thrill #rwanda #RwOT

The 2025 edition of the Safari Rally will be the first on the African Rally Championship (ARC) calendar and is scheduled to take place from March 20-23.

Thanks to the strong diplomatic ties between Rwanda and Kenya, a special vehicle was made available to transport the 62 Rwandans to Kenya for the occasion. The group departed from Kigali on Monday, March 17.

Kenya's High Commissioner to Rwanda, Janet Mwawasi Oben, stated that this initiative aims to foster connections among East Africans, expressing confidence that the rally will serve as a unifying platform.

"Last year, there was no bus for fans travelling from Rwanda, but this year, one has been made available to encourage participation, as there is much more to experience compared to the previous edition. We believe the Safari Rally will be a great opportunity for East Africans to connect," she said.

She added, "For Kenya, there are economic benefits, as fans attending the rally will book hotels and other services. Many have also expressed interest in visiting destinations such as Mombasa, our national parks, and various reserves before or after the rally."

Ambassador Mwawasi Oben emphasized that participation in the event benefits not only Kenya but the entire East African region.

"For the East African Community, this is significant because it brings the region together, allowing residents to interact and potentially engage in business. The journey from Rwanda to Kenya includes a stop in Uganda, where travellers can shop and experience the country. It's a major opportunity for East Africa," she noted.

In addition to the bus transport arrangement, Kenya Airways has introduced a 12% discount on flight tickets for those travelling to Kenya to attend the rally between March 19 and 23.

Among the competing cars this year is the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X, driven by Prince Charles Nyerere, grandson of Tanzania's founding president, Julius Kambarage Nyerere, alongside his Rwandan co-driver, Rutabingwa Fernand.

Also featured is the Hyundai i20 of Belgian racer Thierry Neuville, the 2024 World Rally Champion, who will compete alongside his co-driver, Martijn Wydaeghe.

This marks the fifth consecutive year, since 2021, that the Safari Rally has been included in the World Rally Championship calendar.

Kenya's Ambassador to Rwanda, Janet Mwawasi Oben, while addressing journalists in Kigali on Monday, March 17, 2025, stated that the initiative aims to foster connections among East Africans, expressing confidence that the rally will serve as a unifying platform.

In addition to the bus transport arrangement, Kenya's High Commissioner to Rwanda Janet Mwawasi Oben said Kenya Airways has introduced a 12% discount on flight tickets for those travelling to Kenya to attend the rally between March 19 and 23.

Among the competing cars in the race is the Hyundai i20 of Belgian racer Thierry Neuville, the 2024 World Rally Champion, who will compete alongside his co-driver, Martijn Wydaeghe.