President William Ruto has said that the government has reduced its expenditure on this year’s World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally, slashing the budget from Ksh1.3 billion in 2024 to Ksh980 million.
The president made the announcement on Thursday as he officially flagged off the 2025 edition of the rally in Naivasha.
Speaking at the event, Ruto emphasized his administration’s commitment to cost-cutting measures. He recalled that in 2023, the government spent Ksh2.1 billion on the rally. Following his directive to lower this expenditure, the budget was reduced by Ksh800 million in 2024 to Ksh1.3 billion.
This year, further reductions of Ksh320 million have brought the cost down to Ksh980 million.
Ruto reiterated his long-term vision for the WRC Safari Rally to be fully financed by the private sector. He expressed confidence that corporate sponsorships could take over funding responsibilities, as businesses stand to benefit from the event’s global exposure.
He assured potential sponsors that the government is prepared to support private sector participation, allowing companies to leverage the rally for advertising and brand visibility.
“I remember that WRC Safari Rally cost the government Ksh2.1 billion in 2023. I gave the ministry clear instructions that the figure should come down. I am happy that in 2024 it came down by Ksh800 million to Ksh 1.3 billion and I insisted that this year it should cost less I am happy that it came down by Ksh320 million and this year it is costing us Ksh980 million,” the head of state noted.
Adding;
“I am looking forward to when it costs the government of Kenya zero and the private sector will take it up because they need the advertising and profiling. The government is ready to allow the private companies to shine,” Ruto stated.
The 2025 WRC Safari Rally will take place in the Rift Valley town of Naivasha, featuring top drivers from around the world competing in one of the most challenging terrains in the motorsport calendar.
