HOW MUCH THE GOVERNMENT SPENDS ON THE SAFARI RALLY!

The Safari Rally is one of the most legendary and challenging motorsport events in the world. Held in Kenya, it is part of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and is known for its extreme conditions, unpredictable terrain, and breathtaking African landscapes.

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History of the Safari Rally

First held: 1953, to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.

Originally called the East African Coronation Safari, it later became the Safari Rally and covered Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

It was a part of the World Rally Championship (WRC) from 1973 to 2002 before being dropped due to logistical challenges.

In 2021, the Safari Rally made a historic return to the WRC calendar, thanks to efforts by the Kenyan government and FIA.

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Why is the Safari Rally Unique?

1. Toughest Rally in the World – The event is famous for its rough roads, mud, dust, river crossings, and unpredictable weather.

2. African Wildlife & Scenic Landscapes – Drivers race through stunning locations like Naivasha, Hell’s Gate, and the Great Rift Valley, often spotting elephants, giraffes, and zebras along the way.

3. Long and Demanding Stages – Unlike European rallies, Safari Rally stages are longer, requiring endurance and strategic driving.

4. Unpredictable Weather – Sudden rainstorms can turn dry roads into slippery mud traps, making the rally even more challenging.

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Notable Safari Rally Champions

Many legendary drivers have won the Safari Rally, including:

Juha Kankkunen (Finland) – 1985, 1991, 1993

Colin McRae (Scotland) – 1997

Carlos Sainz (Spain) – 1992

Sébastien Ogier (France) – 2021 (when it returned to WRC)

Kenya’s Shekhar Mehta holds the record for the most Safari Rally wins (5 times).

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Safari Rally Today

The rally is based in Naivasha, Kenya.

It is a key event in the WRC calendar, attracting top teams like Toyota, Hyundai, and Ford.

The 2024 edition promises high-speed action with challenging gravel tracks and iconic rally cars.

The cost for Kenya to host the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally has significantly decreased over recent years:

2023: The government spent Ksh 2.1 billion.

2024: Expenditure was reduced by Ksh 800 million to Ksh 1.3 billion.

2025: Further reductions brought the cost down by Ksh 320 million to Ksh 980 million. 

President William Ruto has emphasized the importance of increasing private sector involvement to further reduce government spending on the event. He expressed his aspiration for the Safari Rally to eventually be fully funded by private entities, eliminating the need for public expenditure. 

In line with this vision, corporate sponsors have begun to play a more significant role. For instance, Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) contributed Ksh 209 million to the 2025 Safari Rally, supporting both the event and local drivers. 

The government's strategy aims to balance the promotion of international sporting events with prudent financial management, ensuring that such events continue to thrive while reducing the fiscal burden on public resources.

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Why You Should Watch the Safari Rally

✔️ Exciting off-road racing with high-speed action.

✔️ Breathtaking African scenery and wildlife encounters.

✔️ Unpredictable weather and terrain make it one of the most thrilling races.

✔️ Rich history and legendary winners add to its prestige.

MC EMCEES HIS OWN WEDDING!

Mc emceeing his own wedding! Sounds crazy right? well on a recent Saturday, the vibrant city of Nairobi bore witness to a wedding that seamlessly blended tradition, personal flair, and heartfelt emotion. Renowned Master of Ceremonies (MC) and actor, Kevin Mbayagi, affectionately known as "Mtoto Wa Joyce," exchanged vows with his beloved, Valentine, in a ceremony that attendees will cherish for years to come.

A Unique Touch: The Groom as the MC In an unconventional twist that showcased his charisma and dedication to his craft, Kevin took on the role of MC at his own wedding. This decision not only highlighted his versatility but also added a personal and intimate touch to the proceedings. Guests were both surprised and delighted as Kevin seamlessly transitioned between his duties as a groom and the event's host. One attendee captured this unique aspect on TikTok, noting, "He Mceed his own wedding…. @Mbayagi." I know how it feels when someone does something that you always do.

A Celebration of Love and Culture The wedding was a beautiful amalgamation of Kenyan traditions and contemporary elements. From the vibrant attire to the soulful music, every detail paid homage to the couple's rich cultural heritage. The ceremony and reception were filled with heartfelt speeches, traditional dances, and moments of genuine joy, reflecting the deep bond between Kevin and Valentine. Capturing the Moments The significance of the day was immortalized through the lenses of talented photographers and videographers. Stunning visuals from the event have been shared across various platforms, allowing well-wishers worldwide to partake in the couple's joy. One such video, capturing the essence of the celebration, was shared on TikTok by Nimepoz Nation Photography. Messages of Congratulations The couple's union garnered an outpouring of love and congratulations from friends, family, and fans alike. Social media platforms buzzed with well-wishes, reflecting the widespread admiration for Kevin and Valentine's partnership. A close friend of the couple shared his excitement on Facebook, stating, "Last Saturday was amazing to see Kevin Mbayagi get married. Congratulations to you and Valentine." Looking Ahead As Kevin and Valentine embark on this new chapter of their lives, their wedding serves as a testament to the beauty of merging personal passions with cherished traditions. Their story inspires many, reminding us that love, when celebrated authentically, resonates deeply with all who witness it. In conclusion, Kevin Mbayagi's wedding was not just a union of two souls but a celebration of culture, individuality, and the joyous unpredictability of life. Here's to the newlyweds—a lifetime filled with love, laughter, and countless adventures! Goodluck v & M gives us your comments below 👇

King of Netherlands visits Kenya!

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands are currently undertaking a state visit to Kenya from March 18 to 20, 2025, at the invitation of President William Ruto. This visit underscores the longstanding diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations, which have flourished for over six decades.

Key Highlights of the Visit: Official Reception: Upon arrival, the Dutch royals were welcomed with a 21-gun salute and an honor guard inspection at State House, Nairobi. Bilateral Engagements: Discussions between the Dutch delegation and Kenyan officials have focused on strengthening partnerships in sectors such as tourism, trade, security, agriculture, and fisheries. Several Memoranda of Understanding have been signed to solidify these collaborations. Youth Dialogue: Recognizing that 75% of Kenya's population is under 35, the royal couple engaged with young Kenyans to discuss their aspirations and perspectives on the nation's future. Topics included human rights, governance, and democracy. Environmental Initiatives: In support of Kenya's ambitious goal to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, the King and Queen participated in a tree-planting ceremony in Nairobi, emphasizing their commitment to environmental conservation and climate action. Addressing Human Rights Concerns: The visit has not been without controversy. Prior to their arrival, over 22,000 Kenyans signed a petition urging the Dutch royals to reconsider their trip, citing concerns over alleged human rights violations in Kenya, including the arrest of government critics and violent crackdowns on demonstrators. In response, King Willem-Alexander acknowledged these concerns during a speech at State House, stating, "I'm pleased that our countries' strong and mature relationship allows us to devote attention during this visit to issues like human rights, good governance, and accountability."

Looking Ahead: The state visit is set to continue with further engagements aimed at deepening bilateral relations, promoting sustainable development, and addressing shared challenges. Both nations aim to reinforce their commitment to democratic values, economic cooperation, and environmental stewardship.

KENYANS PLEA FOR NDUTA

In March 2025, the case of Macharia Margaret Nduta, a 37-year-old Kenyan woman sentenced to death in Vietnam for drug trafficking, has drawn significant attention and concern both locally and internationally. Nduta was apprehended in July 2023 at Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with over two kilograms of cocaine concealed in her suitcase. Circumstances Leading to the Arrest According to court documents, Nduta was recruited by a man known only as "John" in Kenya to transport a suitcase to Laos. She was instructed to deliver the luggage to a woman in Laos and return with unspecified goods. For her role, she received $1,300 (approximately KSh 167,000), and her travel expenses, including airfare, were covered. Nduta's journey began on July 7, 2023, passing through multiple countries before arriving in Ho Chi Minh City on July 14, 2023. Despite successfully passing through security checks at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Bole International Airport in Ethiopia, and Hamad International Airport in Qatar, Vietnamese customs officials discovered the concealed drugs during a routine security check. Legal Proceedings and Sentencing During her court appearance, Nduta claimed she was unaware of the presence of drugs in the suitcase, maintaining that she had agreed to transport the luggage as instructed, believing it contained legal items. However, prosecutors dismissed her claims, arguing that her defense was an attempt to evade responsibility. They emphasized that individuals caught with such significant quantities of narcotics must be held fully accountable under Vietnamese law. On March 6, 2025, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Court sentenced Nduta to death, reinforcing Vietnam’s zero-tolerance policy on drug-related offenses. Family's Reaction and Pleas for Clemency The sentencing has left Nduta's family in Murang’a County, Kenya, devastated. Her mother, Purity Wangui, described Nduta as a disciplined and God-fearing individual, expressing shock and disbelief over the charges. Wangui has pleaded with the Kenyan government to intervene, hoping her daughter could serve her sentence in Kenya rather than face execution abroad. She expressed a desperate wish to see her daughter one last time, stating, "I must see her before they hang her." Diplomatic Efforts and Public Outcry The case has sparked a significant public outcry in Kenya, with citizens and leaders urging the government to take action. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino appealed to President William Ruto to leverage diplomatic channels to save Nduta's life, stating, "We as Kenyans need to unite behind this lady." Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka also called for Nduta’s repatriation to face justice under Kenyan law. Social media campaigns have emerged, with hashtags like #SaveMargaret trending as Kenyans rally for clemency. Vietnam's Stance on Drug Trafficking Vietnam is known for its stringent drug laws, with the death penalty frequently applied to offenders, including foreigners. The country views such measures as a deterrent to the global narcotics trade. Under Vietnamese law, individuals convicted of possessing or smuggling more than 600 grams of heroin or cocaine, or more than 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, face the death penalty. are you smart? spot the difference

Current Status and Conclusion As of March 16, 2025, Nduta's legal options have been exhausted, and her execution is reportedly imminent. The Kenyan government has yet to secure a reprieve for Nduta, leaving her family and supporters in a state of anguish as they await the final outcome. Nduta's case serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences of drug trafficking, especially in countries with strict anti-drug laws. It also highlights the complexities involved when citizens face capital punishment abroad, prompting discussions on legal awareness, consular support, and international diplomacy.

SALGA AGAIN!

A tragic accident occurred early today, March 14, 2025, at approximately 2:00 AM in the Migaa area near Salgaa along the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway. A lorry transporting coffee reportedly experienced brake failure, leading it to lose control and collide head-on with a 14-seater public service vehicle (PSV) matatu traveling from Kitale to Nairobi. All 12 occupants of the matatu, along with the lorry driver, perished in the crash. The victims included nine males, four females, and a child. The Salgaa area is notorious for frequent road accidents, often attributed to brake failures on the steep descent and driver fatigue. Authorities have consistently urged motorists to exercise heightened caution when navigating this stretch of the highway. In light of this recent tragedy, it's imperative for drivers to remain vigilant, adhere to speed limits, and ensure their vehicles are in optimal condition before embarking on journeys, especially through known hazardous zones like Salgaa. what do you think should be done to reduce accident on this road? tell us now in comments below 👇!