Taita Taveta County to host Equatorial Classic rallying event next month

The Equatorial Classic Rallying motorsport will kick off on May 1 this year in Taita Taveta County.

According to the management of the giant Teita Sisal Estate, who are the main organisers and sponsors of the three-day event, the rally will cover a total of 994 kilometres in local ranches and conservancies in Taita, Voi and Mwatate sub-counties.

The organisers said yesterday that out of the total kilometres to be covered, 90 per cent will be in local ranches and conservancies.

Already, a total of 25 participants, both locally and internationally, have confirmed participation in the first kind of event that is geared towards marketing the county and its potential opportunities as a tourist destination.

Antony Nelson, the event organiser, revealed that among the drivers is the renowned rally driver Ian Duncan. He, however, revealed that drivers will compete in 790 kilometres in three days.

“This is the first event of its kind we are bringing to the county. We have 20 entries, while five others will join before the end of the week.

This event will help market the county as a sports tourism destination. It will also help the county showcase its vast potential investment opportunities available in the vast ranches and conservancies where we also have the biggest attraction sites,” said Mr Nelson during the launching of the event at Taita Hills Safari and Resort and Spur in Mwatate Sub County yesterday.

“We are expecting the event to generate a lot of income and improve the local economy. We have divided the rally into three stages, including a night overstay on the farm. Business in the region will be boosted up," he said.

Mr Nelson, who is also a senior manager at the largest farm in East and Central Africa, disclosed that the first-day event will cover about 300 kilometres, while the second and third days will cover 196 kilometres and 304 kilometres, respectively.

“This is the first time we are bringing the event to the county, and we are expecting maximum support from the county leadership and enthusiastic residents,” said the official.

Phillip Kyriaz, the farm’s managing director, said everything is set for the event, which will be held annually. “This event will be held annually, and we will incorporate the local community and other development partners to make it international. Our development partners are also ready to invest and market the county as a tourist destination,” he said.

The MD confirmed that security and safety arrangements have been made for the drivers and over 200 rallying crews. “We have put in place security arrangements for the safety of drivers, among other guests. We have also partnered with the East African Safari Rally and will deploy one chopper, five ambulances, and more vehicles to be on standby during the event to ensure everybody is safe,” said Kyriaz.

“We are trying to do something for the Taita Taveta community to build up an international motorsport event in the future. We will continue investing more resources in the county to help transform the lives of the community,” stated Mr Kyriaz.

He disclosed that at the past rally held in Naivasha town, the event injected over Sh 8 billion into Nakuru County.

At the same time, Kyriaz disclosed that the farm will soon start an equatorial rallying school in the region. This, Kyriaz said, will build and inculcate a rally of enthusiasm in the Taita Taveta community.

Taita Deputy County Commissioner Jane Kaingati said the event has attracted global attention. “This event is an adventure and fun. Security has been assured and guaranteed for all the participants during the event period to ensure it starts and ends well,” said the administrator.

Voi MP Abdi Chome said the event will make people happier and bring more people together.

”Many people will be watching the event, and we will achieve a lot in terms of the economy,” said the opposition legislator.