Safaricom (NSE: SCOM) has reaffirmed its commitment to sports and technology by announcing a KES 46.5 million sponsorship for the 2025 WRC Safari Rally. As the official technology partner, Safaricom aims to enhance the connectivity experience for rally fans, teams, and officials by deploying state-of-the-art network infrastructure and media support.
The 2025 WRC Safari Rally is scheduled to take place from Thursday, 20th to Sunday, 23rd, in Naivasha. To ensure seamless communication, Safaricom will provide six (6) Cell on Wheels (C.O.W.s) and optimize its 5G connectivity in critical areas such as Kedong, Elementaita, Soysambu, Morendat, and Hell’s Gate. This initiative will significantly improve network capacity in key rally routes and spectator areas.
As part of the sponsorship, Safaricom will set up two (2) world-class media centers at the Service Park and Hell’s Gate. These media hubs will facilitate global live streaming and media coverage, ensuring journalists have access to high-speed internet connectivity. Additionally, Safaricom will provide bulk data bundles to media houses covering the event, enabling uninterrupted reporting from remote locations.
Apart from boosting network infrastructure, Safaricom is extending its support to the local community by setting up a medical camp in Naivasha town. This initiative aims to provide essential health services to residents, ensuring that the rally’s benefits extend beyond the motorsport fraternity.
Furthermore, Safaricom will install telematic gadgets and a Smart Vehicle Tracking System in safety caravan vehicles, including ambulances. These installations will enhance safety management and improve emergency response times during the event.
“This marks the fifth year that Safaricom has supported the WRC Safari Rally since its return to Kenya in 2020. While we initially focused on young drivers under the FIA program, this year, we are stepping in as the technology partner to enable seamless and fast network connectivity, ensuring smooth and efficient global streaming of the event. Beyond the track, we’re setting up a medical camp in Naivasha to provide essential health services. This is our way of ensuring that the local community also benefits from the WRC,” said Dr. Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom CEO.
WRC Safari Rally CEO Charles Gacheru expressed gratitude for Safaricom’s continued support, highlighting the importance of connectivity in delivering a world-class event. “Preparations are in top gear ahead of the 2025 WRC Safari Rally, which kicks off on Thursday. I want to thank Safaricom for their continued support over the past five years, ensuring we stay connected with a strong network during this iconic global event. I urge fans to turn up in large numbers to witness the magic of the Safari Rally as we cheer on our homegrown heroes and international stars tackling the toughest stages in the world,” he said.
The 2025 FIA World Rally Championship entry list features 47 confirmed participants, including top drivers from renowned teams:
- Toyota GAZOO Racing: Championship leader Elfyn Evans, two-time Safari winner Kalle Rovanperä, Takamoto Katsuta, and Sami Pajari.
- Hyundai Motorsport: Thierry Neuville, Ott Tänak, and Adrien Fourmaux, looking to break Toyota’s winning streak since 2020.
- M-Sport Ford: Grégoire Munster, Josh McErlean, and Jourdan Serderidis in Puma Rally1 cars.
- WRC2 Category: Defending champion Oliver Solberg (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2), Kajetan Kajetanowicz, Jan Solans, Gus Greensmith, and FIA Junior WRC regular Diego Domínguez.
- Kenyan Contenders: Karan Patel, Carl Tundo, Hamza Anwar, and Jeremiah Wahome will represent Kenya, bringing local excitement to the event.
Safaricom has long been a champion of sports development in Kenya, aligning with community passion points and supporting initiatives that drive national and global recognition. The company’s involvement in the 2025 WRC Safari Rally underscores its dedication to innovation, safety, and connectivity in major sporting events.
