Author: Maxwell Wasike

Fanfare and excitement as WRC Safari Rally kicks off in Nairobi

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua flagged off the 70th anniversary of World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally at Uhuru Park on Thursday amid fanfare.

The event, scheduled for June 22-25, has attracted a total of 34 drivers including defending champion Kalle Rovanperä and started with the Super Special Stage at Kasarani before the main action set for Friday and Saturday.

Speaking during the flag-off, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua underscored the importance of the safari rally to the country even as he reminisced the good old days.

“There was nothing during our childhood days that lit our villages like the safari rallies during the Easter holiday,” observed the deputy president.

Kenya Motorsport Federation (KMSF) President Phineas Kimathi,Gachagua said the 70th Safari Rally WRC is nostalgic and historic.

“Sports and sporting activities are great contributors to our nation’s socioeconomic well-being. Many Kenyans derive their livelihoods out of sports as well as a brand that Kenya is known for across the world. There was nothing during our childhood days in our villages that lit our villages like the Safari Rallies during the Easter holiday” he said.

This year’s entry list has 10 top-level Rally1 Hybrid cars and 11 WRC2 runners.

The list also includes a five-strong WRC3 line-up which has Kenya KQ/Safaricom trio of McRae Kimathi, Jeremiah Wahome, and Hamza Anwar.

Rovanpera of Finland will be out for a double having denied his Toyota Gazoo Racing team mate Sebastien Ogier victory in the leg last year.

“We had quite a good feeling to be honest,” he said. “Everything seems to be as clear as it can be before a Safari Rally. Hopefully we can have another strong weekend and score more good points for the championship.”

Ogier is also hopeful for a double after clinching the African circuit in 2021.

Toyota has lined up a strong squad in this year’s event. Rovanpera, Elfyn Evans, Takamoto Katsuta and Ogier who swept the podium with a 1-2-3-4 finish in that order last season will ply trade for the Japanese constructor.

Kajetan Kajetanowicz starts this week’s Safari Rally Kenya (22 – 25 June) as the victory favourite in WRC2 having triumphed at the African classic twelve months ago.

The Pole, who finished third in the WRC2 series last year, has only started two WRC rounds so far in 2023 and sits a lowly ninth in the championship standings as a result. Victory here, however, would vault him into the top five of the premier support category.

Kajetanowicz is co-driven by fellow countryman Maciej Szczepaniak and logistical challenges see the pair revert back to their trusty Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo for this round, the same car used for Guanajuato Rally México earlier this year.

“In theory we know this event, as most stages are the same as last year. However, this is still the most unpredictable round of the whole WRC calendar, that’s why we expect the unexpected,” Kajetanowicz said.

“We know that many things can happen, and we cannot control everything, so we try to foresee as much as we can. You cannot drive a perfect rally but we will do our best – driving well, wisely and cleanly,” he added.

Oliver Solberg is also in action, driving a Fabia borrowed from fellow competitor Daniel Chwist. The Swede, however, has decided not to count this round as a points-scoring one.

Karan Patel and Carl Tundo are the leading Kenyan hopefuls. Fabia man Tundo has won the event five times in total while Patel, who drives a Fiesta R5, is the reigning national champion.

“The level of competition from WRC is much more superior than what we are used to in our local and regional events,” Patel admitted, “but we will have a very clever drive and try to maintain a very good pace.”

Grégoire Munster makes his Safari Rally Kenya debut behind the wheel of a Ford Fiesta Rally2. The British team will also run a similar car for Greek driver George Vassilakis, contesting only his third WRC rally.

Škoda rivals Armin Kremer and Miguel Díaz-Aboitiz compete for WRC Masters Cup honours while locals Aakif Virani and Samman Singh Vohra complete the entry. Piero Canobbio, who was due to drive a Hyundai i20 R5, withdrew prior to the start with terminal engine issues.

President William Ruto, who was at the shakedown in Naivasha on Wednesday, is expected to be at the final stage on Sunday to award the winners.

June 22, 2023
KPL title fight down to the wire

The 2022/23 FKF Premier League champion will have to wait until the final match day, on Sunday, June 25, 2023, to be crowned.

In Wednesday’s matches,record winners Gor Mahia suffered a 3-2 loss against a hard-fighting Kakamega Homeboyz at the MISC Kasarani, maintaining their position at the top of the league with 67 points.

However,holders Tusker’s 1-1 draw against Posta Rangers leaves the Brewers just one point behind Gor Mahia, creating a nail-biting finish to the season.

While Gor Mahia and Tusker battle it out for the top spot, Nzoia Sugar’s hopes of clinching the championship have been dashed after a 2-0 defeat by KCB at the Sudi Stadium. Despite their efforts, they are now out of the race.

Meanwhile, Mathare United’s fate has been sealed as they face relegation to the 2023/24 FKF National Super League after a 1-1 draw against Ulinzi Stars.

Wazito’s 1-0 win over Bidco United in Thika now means they will be in the promotion playoff.

In the final matchday, Gor Mahia will face Nairobi City Stars at MISC Kasarani, knowing that a victory will secure their claim to the coveted championship title.

Meanwhile, Tusker will travel to Mumias to battle Vihiga Bullets, seeking a win to keep their title hopes alive

June 22, 2023
Ott Tänak aiming for a good outing in his third time appearance at the Safari

Ott Tänak will be looking to turn podium pace into a maiden Safari Rally Kenya success in Naivasha this week.

The Estonian has run in the top-three on the last two African WRC journeys – and M-Sport Ford team principal Richard Millener is sure the 2019 champion has the approach and the mindset to win.

Millener told WRC.com: “Ott is definitely a clever driver – he knows how to approach events like this. It’s a skill to judge the speed and the risk and he’s got it.

“We know this is one of the toughest challenges of the season, but we also know the Puma can be strong and the goal is to come away with a strong result.”

Tänak will be aiming to break Toyota’s stranglehold of success in this latest era of the Safari.

“I haven’t really succeeded there yet, so [winning] is something to discover for myself,” he said. “We need to make sure we won’t incur any mechanical setbacks with the tough conditions and then it’s up to us to give our best performance.”

Tänak and co-driver Martin Järveoja trained with marathon world record holder Eliud Kipchoge at the start of what’s a special week in the season.

He added: “That was an incredible moment. Even though our sports are different, we could still understand each other’s world. I wish we had more time to enjoy life around the rally in Kenya, but it’s of course the wildlife that is so special compared to our lives in Europe.”

The 2019 World Rally Championship champion
lies in third place in the drivers’ table after six stages, no mean feat given the M-Sport Ford team he drives for is less well-funded than the Toyota and Hyundai works teams.

Tänak has 85 points going into Rally Kenya, behind reigning world champion Kalle Rovanperä of Finland, driving for Toyota (118 points), and ever-the-bridesmaid Belgian Thierry Neuville, Tänak’s former teammate at Hyundai, on 93 points.

Rally Kenya starts a day earlier in the week than most WRC events, on Wednesday, with a shakedown run, followed by stage on proper on the Thursday, and the remainder Friday to Sunday.

The event takes place around Naivasha, around 100km North of Nairobi.

June 21, 2023
Mane double helps Senegal beat Brazil in friendly

Former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane scored twice as Senegal beat Brazil 4-2 in a friendly in Lisbon, Portugal.

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta put Brazil ahead in the 11th minute, before Habib Diallo equalised for Senegal.

An own goal from Marquinhos early in the second half gave Senegal the lead with Mane extending their advantage after 57 minutes.

Marquinhos scored at the right end to pull one back for Brazil but Mane got his second goal with a late penalty.

The match was held at Estadio Jose Alvalade, home of Sporting Lisbon,with nine England-based players in the starting XIs.

As well as Paqueta, Brazil’s team at the beginning of the match included Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, Newcastle midfielders Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes and Tottenham forward Richarlison.

Meanwhile, Senegal’s side included Nottingham Forest defender Moussa Niakhate, Chelsea centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, Leicester midfielder Nampalys Mendy and Watford forward Ismaila Sarr.

“We’re very proud of our performance. Very proud of the boys. When the lads play like that, we’re hard to beat. We’re on the right track.” said Senegal coach Aliou Cissé:

Five-time World Cup winners Brazil are still without a coach after the departure of Tite last year, while Neymar remains sidelined by an ankle injury suffered in February.

The Brazilian FA (CBF) are still pursuing Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti to be their new coach. The role has been vacant since the resignation of Tite following their World Cup quarter-final exit in December.

It was the first time Brazil had lost by two goals since they were beaten 2-0 by Chile in 2015, while they had not conceded four or more in a match since they were humiliated 7-1 by Germany in the 2014 World Cup semi-finals.

June 21, 2023
Mututho faults Veterinary Services Director for gazetting export of donkey skins

Former National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) Chairman John Mututho has urged the government to rescind its decision of allowing the exportation of donkey skins in a bid to contain the illegal slaughter of the animals in the country.

The former Naivasha Member of Parliament on Wednesday raised concerns over the declining population of donkeys in the country which he attributed to the trade,further noting the animals are stolen, slaughtered by unscrupulous butchers and their meat sold to unsuspecting customers

“By gazetting export of donkey skins or hides,the Director Veterinary Services shamelessly ignored 15 years of African states ban on donkey slaughter in Africa.Please revoke that notice to save unnecessary stealing and subsequent killing of these animals used at home for work, instead cartels misuse of them is growing by the day before slaughtering and selling their meat to unsuspecting customers while their skin is sold abroad and especially in China,” he said.

In recent years, smallholder farmers across Kenya have faced an unusual problem: They have awoken to find that during the night, their donkeys — essential for heavy labor — have been skinned by thieves, leaving only the carcasses behind.

Demand for donkey skin has risen in recent years, driven by its use in Chinese health products that claim to help with health issues such as preventing aging or increasing libido. Because China itself doesn’t have enough donkeys to meet the demand, large-scale slaughterhouses have been set up in Kenya, turning the country into a hub for the export of donkey skins.

“In the next five, 10 years we shall be talking about an animal that was called the donkey in Africa, especially in Kenya.” added Mututho

Many advocates and researchers are now calling for a complete ban on the slaughter of donkeys in Kenya, arguing that when the slaughter houses were licensed, there was not an adequate understanding of the impact it would have.

“Donkeys are completely embedded in the livelihoods of smallholder farmers,” said Raphael Kinoti, CEO of Farming Systems Kenya.Since 2016, we’ve had a massive slaughter of donkeys and it’s the farmers that are feeling the heat.” remarked Kinoti in 2019 during the Conference on Africa’s Agricultural Productivity in Nairobi.

Across the African continent, smallholder farmers who can’t afford mechanized equipment use donkeys for the heavy lifting needed for cultivating land, transporting hay and silage, and hauling water and firewood.

According to Brookes East Africa lobby group which caters for the welfare of working animals, a survey conducted by the government indicated that over 700,000 donkeys have been lost within 10 years.

An estimated 10 million people in East Africa rely on donkeys to support their livelihoods, according to animal charity Brooke, which found that each donkey generates an average of $110 per month for the families that use them.

It estimates that more than 500,000 donkeys have been slaughtered in Kenya since 2016, or 15% of the country’s donkey population. That has cost about 28 billion Kenyan shillings ($273 million) in lost income — 15 times the gross revenue generated from the export of donkey meat and skin.

June 21, 2023
Bandari FC courting Burundian players to strengthen their squad

The Kenya Premier League side Bandari FC has intensified their pursuit of establishing themselves a football powerhouse in the country following their renewed efforts to sign experienced players in a bid to strengthen their squad after the conclusion of local top flight campaign on Sunday.

The club’s Vice Chairman and long serving football stakeholder Twaha Mbarak is currently leading the mission in Tanzania after watching Burundi’s qualifying fixture for the Africa Cup of Nations against Namibia at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium on Tuesday.

“We are here to continue with our agenda of partnerships with like minded football entities who mean well towards development of the game in Africa.Besides we also came to support and rally behind our Bandari player Nahimana Shassir who is a Burundi national and also try to scout a few exceptional talents who if incorporated into our team they will help us deliver our targets for the subsequent campaign locally and even on the continental scene” he exclusively told KBC Digital Sports.

Since the arrival of Twaha after Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director Captain William Ruto overhauled Bandari FC Board of Trustees retaining Abdullah Samatar as the chairman,the Coastal side has been on a charm offensive seeking to galvanize their result and win top tier for the first time since its inception.

The former Black Panther attacking midfielder is best remembered for his efforts to normalise Kenya’s relations with the world football governing body FIFA leading to unified elections in 2011.

“I am convinced that I have the requisite skills, passion and expertise that will add value to the management of the club.This club is capable of achieving many things. Bandari players, technical staff and the entire management have demonstrated they are hungry for success which is an important element in pursuit of the club’s mission and vision,” remarked Twaha

Tunisian Nasredinne Nabbi who guided Tanzanian giants Yanga FC to the CAF Confederations Cup finals has been the most sought after tactician by the Coastal side as the permanent replacement for Anthony ‘Modo’ Kimani who parted ways with the team over a string of poor results

According to reports,Bandari FC offered the 58-year-old KES 1.5 million monthly salary which was initially rejected even as negotiations continue to be underway to tap the services of equally a highly qualified coach whether local based or a foreigner.

Locally,the Dockers are considered to be approaching former national team Harambee Stars head coach Francis Kimanzi,Tusker FC gaffer Robert Matano,his AFC Leopards counterpart Patrick Aussems among others.

According to Twaha, they are exploring all options to make Bandari a reputable name locally and beyond.

“The plan is to ensure that the team becomes a big competitor domestically and internationally. We want to ensure that Bandari FC competes in African championships while targeting special competitions between us and regional powerhouses like Yanga SC and Simba SC,” said Mbarak, adding that the strategy will ensure that the team is heard and popularised in Kenya and internationally.”

Bandari which has had a turnaround in performances under the temporary tutelage of vastly experienced tactician Twahir Muhiddin winning five and drawing two of the seven games will play against Kariobangi Sharks on Thursday before ending the season with a clash against Posta Rangers on Sunday

“I am not willing to stay in this post beyond the end of the season because I have work to do for the CAF and the Football Kenya Federation. I believe both federations would do with my experience better compared to Bandari,” revealed the former Harambee Stars assistant coach.

Before the international break,they beat 2009 KPL champions Sofapaka 2-0 at the Nyayo Stadium courtesy of goals by James Kinyanjui and the on-form national team Harambee Stars winger Hassan Abdallah.

Last week,Twaha who is a top business man in Mombasa led Bandari FC to commence negotiations with Young Africans which if materialise will see them enter into football partnership geared towards strategic engagement in various areas with the intention to professionalise the local sports industry.

June 21, 2023
Adel Balala crowned champion of the Ruiru Open Championship

Adel Balala emerged as the triumphant champion of the 1st ever Ruiru Open Championship held over the weekend at Ruiru Sports Club.

The golf tournament was part of the Kenya Amateur Golf Championships (KAGC) which was organized by the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) and sponsored by NCBA.

Balala displayed exceptional skill and finesse, recording an impressive score of 218 gross to secure the overall victory. The tournament brought together a field of over 100 golfers who showcased impressive golfing talent.

In the ladies’ category, Chanelle Wangari emerged as the overall and only lady with a commendable score of 227 over the three days.

Nelly Wainaina, Group Director Marketing Communication & citizenship, NCBA Group, expressed the bank’s commitment to growing the sport at a regional level. She emphasized on the importance of creating platforms that allow golfers to excel and achieve greatness.

“NCBA’s continued support for sports development in Kenya underscores the bank’s commitment to nurturing talent and driving excellence across various disciplines. Through our partnership with KGU, NCBA aims to inspire golfers to reach new heights and continue their pursuit of greatness.”

“Our partnership with KGU has been a hole-in-one! and we remain committed to supporting and promoting golf as part of our strategic vision, enabling the growth of the sport while building strong connections with customers and communities.” She added.

Also present at the event was the Golf Captain Jesse Ndegwa who said that the success of the event has set the stage for future championships that will continue to elevate the sport and create memorable experiences for players and fans alike.

“The Ruiru Open Championship has been a phenomenal success, capturing the essence of the sport with its thrilling competition and showcasing the immense talent of our country’s golfers. The partnership between Ruiru Sports Club and NCBA has played a pivotal role in creating this exceptional tournament, providing a platform for players to demonstrate their skills and passion for the game.”

The next NCBA sponsored KAGC event will be the Victoria Cup that is scheduled to take place in Tanzania next weekend.

June 20, 2023
Kenya Volleyball team aiming to continue with good outing after Tanzania win

The Kenya Volleyball team on Sunday begun their campaign on a high after registering a 20-16 win over neighbours Tanzania in their Division Round Match at the Special Olympics World Games played in Berlin, Germany.

The team led by Captain Beverly Cheptoo beat their East African compatriots raising their stakes and a chance to win gold in the next games in June 20,2023.

“Our team comprises players from Nandi County, and brings together those who have intellectual disabilities, and others who do not, whom we call partners. It is a great opportunity to play in Berlin and represent Kenya. I hope we win Gold,” said Captain Cheptoo.

At the beginning of the match Tanzania had a 2-point lead against Kenya which had 10 points but Kenya bounced back in the closing minutes beating Tanzania with 4 points lead.

Kenya is represented in the game by 66 participants in different games including badminton, beach volleyball, handball among others and it will continue to play in the games including people with disabilities and those without ,called ‘partners’.

Patron of the Special Olympics Kenya team, spouse of the Deputy President Pastor Dorcas Rigathi hoped that soon the world would fully accept those with intellectual disabilities and include them in the Olympics.

“We can have just Olympics, and not Special Olympics, which although is a powerful platform of inclusion, segregates those with intellectual disabilities,” said Pastor Dorcas.

The office of the Spouse of the Deputy President (OSDP)has the vision of “A Dignified Future For Vulnerable Population “that includes people with disabilities, the boy child ,widows and orphans .She advocates for the empowerment of PWD through education ,sports and other cocurricular activities.

June 19, 2023
A meeting of legends:WRC stars and Eliud Kipchoge unite in Kenya

M-Sport Ford drivers Ott Tänak and Pierre-Louis Loubet showcased the spirit of unity and camaraderie in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) as they joined forces with renowned marathon world-record holder Eliud Kipchoge for a remarkable training run ahead of Safari Rally Kenya, which takes place this week (22 – 25 June).

Kipchoge, 38, is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time as the only human to ever run a marathon in under two hours. He holds the official world record of 2hrs 1min 09sec in marathon as well as boasting four of the fastest six times in history. Additionally, he has achieved two Olympic gold medals in marathon plus a silver and bronze earned in the 5,000m distance.

At an altitude of 2,400m in the scenic Kenyan highlands, Tänak, Loubet and co-driver Martin Järveoja joined Kipchoge at his training camp on the outskirts of Kaptagat. The camp united exceptional talents including women’s world-record holder Faith Kipyegon, two-time New York City Marathon winner Geoffrey Kamworor and 2009 10,000m world champion Linet Masai.

Embracing Kipchoge’s commitment to the environment, the WRC stars each planted a tree to commemorate their visit before embarking on a light jog alongside Kipchoge and his esteemed Kenyan counterparts, culminating in a visit to a local school supported by Kipchoge’s charitable foundation.

Kipchoge expressed his delight at the meeting, stating: “It is good to meet other sportsmen from the other sectors. I am happy to host them and exchange knowledge. The training is different but we share the values of trust and working hard. What I have learned is they are working as a team, as we are on our side.”

“It’s been a mega experience, and Eliud is quite a quick guy to have a jog with!” smiled an enthusiastic Tänak. “To see here how professional people like this are working together, it’s actually not too far off from rallying. We are all people and we are all doing professional sports. Whether it’s motorsport or a marathon, both of us are pushing to the limits and trying to get the maximum out.”

Loubet echoed his team-mate’s sentiments, adding: “It was fantastic, before today I was a big fan of [Kipchoge]. My cousin is a runner so we are all fans of him in my family. To see him in reality is a great honour. He is so humble. A lot of people have to spend a day with him to understand he is such a humble guy.”

Tänak was gifted a signed pair of Kipchoge’s marathon shoes, which the Estonian graciously accepted before presenting him with one of his official racing helmets, joking with his host that he now hoped to run a marathon in under two hours whilst wearing the shoes.

June 19, 2023
CS Owalo hosts Posta Rangers for lunch

The Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Eliud Owalo on Monday hosted Kenya Premier League side Posta Rangers for lunch and urged them to win their remaining matches before the end of the season.

The vibrant and sports loving CS urged the mail men to register victories in their Wednesday encounter against league chasing Tusker FC at Ruaraka grounds before they take on Banderi on Sunday in the last day of the top tier campaign at Thika Municipal Stadium.

“I’ve this afternoon hosted Posta Rangers FC to lunch.The Rangers are a football club under the wings of the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy. I wish the team well in their remaining two KPL matches, from the game against Tusker FC this Wednesday,” he said

Before the international break,the John Kamau coached side suffered a blow after going down against Kenya Police who recorded an impressive 3-1 win over them in a tie staged at Police Sacco Stadium.

They sit 11th on the 18 team standings after playing 32 games and accumulating 39 points..

In another game involving league deciding bid,record local champions Gor Mahia will lock horns against Kakamega Homeboyz at Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday.

The two sides have been very impressive in the past few weeks and this is a match that holds so much at stake for either side.

After a one-week break, the 2022/23 Football Kenya Federation Premier League culmination
resumes on Wednesday with eigh matches on the cards across different venues.

The league took a break to allow for the participation of the national team Harambee Stars in Four Nations Tournament which ended on Sunday in Mauritius.

June 19, 2023