KCB Rally returns to Meru after 9 years

The KCB 2019 Motor Sports Rally has been unveiled in Meru with locals and sponsors being called upon to support the event. The championship, now a part of the World Rally Series, returns to the County after nine years.

The competition will be held from November 9 and will cover 158km beginning from Nkubu through Kanyakine, Maraa, Kieni Kia Ndege, Kinoro, Gaturi,Ngongo, Mwichiune, then Nkubu through Meru town to Gitoro ASK Showground where there will be a spectator ground.

The event will also kick off from the showground through Kenya Re, to Kibirichia through Ntugi, Kwa Mungania in lower Buuri sub-county.

Kenya’s Safari Rally contests including the upcoming KCB Meru Edition was readmitted into the World Rally Championships (WRC) series this year by the world governing body, Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile(FIA) after 18 year break, and the first leg of the circuit is slated to take place on July 16-19, 2020.

While unveiling the Kenya National Rally Championship round 7, Governor Kiraitu Murungi applauded drivers and navigators from the region who have driven to the top of motor sports events.

“As a County we are truly excited to be chosen as the host and co-sponsors of the Championships with our close partners KCB Bank with whom we have also partnered in many other areas. I am extremely proud that among the top Rally drivers in Kenya, one third are sons and daughters of this County,” said Kiraitu.

He added, “I believe the event we are launching today will go a long way in preparing our teams for the international event. This year’s KCB Meru Safari Rally will be the 7th and penultimate round of the Kenya National Rally Championship which is a significant event in the country’s sporting calendar”.

He noted that the event will also be a big boost to efforts of opening up Meru County to sports tourism.

Ken Nteere one of the participating drivers in the event alongside his navigator Edward Ndukui, said that they are set for the event, calling on the fans to participate also as a way of attracting more sponsors.

“We are happy to be in this year’s event and our plea is that residents will come out to enjoy this exciting competition” he said.

Ms Hellen Shiri Kagendo who is the secretary of the project and clerk of the Meru rally course on her side noted that there will be 11 competitive stages.

“We will have all top drivers in the industry competing and they have confirmed their presence. We call on all spectators to obey rally rules and on security matters; we have mobilized 500 security marshals who will be on the route. There will be no spectators allowed on the roads” she cautioned.

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Safari Rally meru county WRC

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