Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support for female rally drivers ahead of the WRC Safari Rally, set to roar into action next weekend.
Pauline Sheghu alongside her navigator Linet Ayuko, the Mother-daughter duo of Tinashe and Caroline Gatimu and actress Lisa Christoffersen and her navigator Jennifer Malik are the only females entered for the Safari Rally.
Sheghu entered in the FIA African Rally Championship (ARC) ARC2 category, while Tinashe and Christoffersen will battle it out in the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC).
Speaking after a meeting with the drivers at Talanta Plaza on Wednesday, Mvurya assured them of the ministry’s full backing as they take on the grueling challenge.
“We are here to assure the drivers that the government, through the Ministry of Sports, will support them at the upcoming Rally,” Mvurya said.
The CS expressed confidence in their ability to shine on the demanding course spanning Nairobi and Nakuru counties. “I am confident they will do well next week,” he added.
“I want to congratulate our female rally drivers for the confidence to come forward and participate in the Safari Rally set for next weekend,” he stated.
He highlighted their experience which he believes will guide them to glory during the event. “These drivers are very experienced because they have done the event three or two years running,” he said.
Sheghu and Tinashe will be featuring in their third Safari Rally after previous appearances in 2023 and 2024 while Christoffersen will be making her fourth appearance.
“We want them to become role models in Motorsport in the country. Motorsport is not easy but these ladies have come forth to take part in a gruelling sport. I am sure that this will motivate more females to take up the challenge and break the barriers,” he added.
Mvurya underscored the significance of Kenya hosting the WRC Safari Rally, a key event in elevating the country’s global motorsport profile
