Kwale: Preparations for the East Africa Safari Rally Classic, scheduled for December 5 to 13, 2025, have begun. Officials held a detailed briefing in Kwale County to review security, logistics, and coordination across all participating counties.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kwale County Secretary for Administration Evans Achoki mentioned that the county has already embarked on a series of meetings to plan for the event, noting that all departments are working closely with national organisers. Achoki emphasized that the rally will involve Kwale, Taita Taveta, and Kajiado counties, assuring that Kwale is fully committed to ensuring smooth operations throughout the competition.
President of the Kenya Motorsports Federation, Maina Muturi, who attended the briefing, stated that Kenya continues to register progress in motorsport and confirmed that sixty drivers from seventy-five countries, including Kenya, will participate in this year’s rally. He added that the event is expected to draw large numbers of fans and expressed confidence that all stages will run successfully.
Deputy Clerk Riaz Ismail also spoke during the meeting and encouraged residents to support the event, highlighting that the region is looking forward to hosting competitors and spectators. He said the rally presents an opportunity for locals to witness an international sporting experience and urged the community to turn out in large numbers. Ismail added that administrative checks and scrutiny will take place on December 2 and 3.
Competitors will then attend a full-day briefing on December 4, from 9am to 5pm, where they will be guided on navigation, safety, and general expectations for the nine-day event. He confirmed that sixty rally cars will start the competition, with an additional sixty vehicles ready to respond in case of breakdowns or faults.
The rally will begin in Kwale on December 5 at 7am, with the first day of racing taking place fully within the county. The second day will also start in Kwale before the teams proceed to Taita Taveta. Drivers will continue racing in Taita Taveta until December 8, when they will leave the county and head to Kajiado.
Competition in Kajiado will run until December 11, after which the teams will exit the county on December 12 and return to Taita Taveta. The final race of the rally will be held on December 13, starting in Taita Taveta and concluding in Kwale, where winners will be announced.
Kwale County Commissioner Stephen Orinde stated that the county has previously hosted major sports events and is fully prepared to provide security for the rally. He mentioned that public sensitisation campaigns are ongoing to ensure residents are aware of the routes and safety requirements. Orinde added that there will be no major closure of roads within towns, except minimal restrictions where safety demands it. The County Commissioner urged residents to cooperate with organisers and support the competition, which is expected to boost local businesses and promote the region as a sports tourism destination.
