Kakamega bids to host penultimate KNRC round

Kakamega County has launched its bid to host the penultimate round of the 2016 Kenya National Rally Championships (KNRC) in October.

County officials have petitioned neighbouring Eldoret to give them the chance to take over as hosts of the seventh round of the eight-event series in a bid to market the region as a sporting and tourist attraction.

“We  have  not   disappointed  in  the  championships  that  we’ve   participated outside  the  County  and with  that; we  feel  like   we  are  now  ready  to  host  the KCB-sponsored KNRC this year.

“We   are  aware  Eldoret already  won  the bid   for  October  but   we  are  negotiating  with  them  to  surrender  the  hosting  rights  to  us since  they  hosted  last  year,” County Communications Director; Sumba Juma, told.

“We are optimistic they will accept our  plea since we  have never been handed the hosting rights,” he added.

Speaking separately; Kenya Motor Sport Federation (KMSF) Director and local rally ace, Phineas Kimathi, said they would not object to switching the venue of the planned October 8 and 9 seventh KNRC round if Kakamega convinced Eldoret to give up their rights.

However, he insisted, the interested County must work with a Club recognised by KMSF to organise the rally and commit to financially back the event.

“We have 12 Clubs  affiliated to KMSF and now  that  Kakamega  has  no affiliate Club, it can liaise with Equator Motor Sports Club (EMC) based in Kisumu for planning provided  that  the  County  will  sponsor   preparations while the club will do the rest,” Kimathi elaborated.

Kakamega will be required to apply to KMSF to allocate them the event as soon as possible.

“We are going to come up with a calendar for 2017 sometime  in  September  and  the   application  of   hosting  rights  is  done   one  year  in  advance,” the director stressed.

EMC will host the third KNRC event of the season, the KCB Kisumu Rally this weekend.

By Godfrey Ashiali

Tags:

Kenya National Rally Championship Phineas Kimathi KNRC Kisumu Rally Sumba Juma

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