Stop the road carnage, FIA boss pleads with Kenyans

International Automobile Federation President Jean Todt said the combined efforts of motoring organisations and the public will be essential in reclaiming the Safari Rally’s place as a World Rally Championship competition.

Todt, who is also the United Nations Secretary General’s special envoy on road safety, implored Kenyans to end the senseless road carnage as part of the efforts to assure the world that Kenyan roads are safe.

“I am encouraged by what I have seen,” said Todt in Nairobi on Tuesday.

“It will rely on combined efforts by Kenya Motor Sports  Federation, Automobile Association of Kenya, FIA Foundation and both the private and public sectors.”

The Frenchman noted that safety for rally cars and drivers, fans and other spectators will be paramount and told Kenya to educate its people on its importance as a WRC requirement.

“Kenya now has everything at hand to have Safari Rally back at the WRC, but you must stop carnage on the roads. Kenya must lead in Africa,” said Todt.

The launch of the “WRC Safari Rally Project” offices at Kasarani was presided over by Sports Principal Secretary Kirimi Kaberia and WRC Safari Rally Project chief executive officer Phineas Kimathi.

Among the legendary drivers who spoke on the sideline of the launch Glen Edmunds, Ian Duncan, Azar Anwar and Baldev Chager.

Duncan won the Safari Rally as a WRC event in 1994 as Edmunds won it twice in 2003 and 2005 while Anwar in 2006.

"It will be great for the country's motorsport to have Safari Rally back in WRC and we are lucky to be in a position to aspire. It will be a hard task to fulfil the conditions but there is no escape and people must put their efforts together," said Duncan. "It was unfortunate to lose the status but there was a lot of pressure to conform."

Duncan praised Kimathi's efforts to bring the event back.