Bongo superstar, Alikiba will headline the upcoming Safari Centre Rally Festival that will be the climax of this year’s World Rally Championship in Naivasha, Nakuru County.
The three-day fun event slated for June 22-25 is brought to you by travel convenience mall, Safari Centre, located along Nairobi – Nakuru Highway in partnership with Eagle One Consultancies LTD.
The mall, which will also be marking its first year anniversary, has become a popular stop point for motorists along the highway and is set to be a resting joint for thousands of rally enthusiasts gracing the international event to kick off on June 22.
Apart from Alikiba who will be performing on Friday June 23rd, the event will be graced by tens of local artists from different genres, with fans assured an ultimate Mugithi experience on June 24th, while Sol Generation artists will entertain fans on Sunday June 25th.
Safari Centre Property Manager Derrick Ngokonyo says that the centre will utilize its vast 15-acres to offer fun and gaming materials for children and sleeping tents, giving participants a home-away experience.
“Safari Centre, Naivasha, is home to several household brands including: Naivas Supermarket, Dr.Mattress, Pharmaplus, Shell, curio shops, Artcaffe, Simbisa Brands, assuring families of wholesome shopping experience. There will be tents for
those seeking to rest on site. Visitors can also take a break and find relief at our premium Loo4U bathroom facilities with sparkling clean bathrooms and hot showers for all genders and ages. Electric vehicle charging stations are also available to all EV car owners’’ Ngokonyo said.
Eagle One Consultancies LTD CEO Michael Njenga says, the festival is expected to add flair to the World Rally Championship, away from traditional speed thrill, bringing harmony between age sets.
“The rally is no longer for old folks alone. Young people have embraced the sport and music, which is a universal language, and will not only bridge the gap but also add flavor to the global event,’’ Njenga said.
The festival is expected to attract close to 15,000 people, offering casual jobs to between 150-200 locals. Tickets are currently on sale at https://alikibatournaivasha.hustlesasa.shop/ with early bird VIP tickets retailing at KES 2,500, while regular tickets at KES1,000 each day from Friday. Thursday is free!
The Safari Rally was first held in 1953, as the East African Coronation Safari in Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika as a celebration of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
In 1960 it was renamed the East African Safari Rally and kept that name until 1974, when it became the Kenya Safari Rally. It then evolved to the current modern-day WRC.
Safari Rally is currently the most popular event on the WRC calendar alongside the 1,000 Lakes of Finland and Monte Carlo.
This year’s rally promises to be a straight slugfest between Kalle Rovanpera of Finland and Ogier, the 2021 winner and current leader of the WRC standings. Winners of the previous two editions – will both field Toyota GR. Kenya won the bid to host the championship for five years until 2026