President William Ruto has announced that the Kenyan government will support the FIA Affordable Cross Car Project, a global initiative aimed at developing motorsport talent and promoting cost-effective vehicle manufacturing.
Speaking on Thursday while flagging off the 2025 WRC Safari Rally, President Ruto emphasized the need to create more opportunities for young Kenyans in motorsports.
“We want to create more opportunities for young Kenyans to participate in motorsports. To this end, the government of Kenya will support the FIA’s affordable cross car project, which aims to develop motorsport talent in Kenya. I thank FIA for providing free design blueprints for these cars, which encourages local manufacturing while minimizing costs,” Ruto stated.
Government to Partner with Local Training Institutions
President Ruto urged the Kenya Motorsport Federation to collaborate with the Technical and Vocational Training Authority (TVETA) to facilitate local production of these cross cars. This initiative aims to reduce costs, promote local innovation, and empower Kenyan youth with technical skills.
Additionally, he announced an initiative under the WRC Safari Rally project, where top rally team Toyota Gazoo Racing will train local drivers and mechanics, further strengthening motorsport expertise in Kenya.
FIA Wearing Program to Enhance Road Safety for Boda Boda Riders
Beyond motorsports, road safety remains a priority. President Ruto met with representatives of the FIA Wearing Program, an initiative focused on enhancing road safety for Kenya’s boda boda riders.
“This program, implemented in Kenya by FIA, will support FIA’s sustainable mobility initiative by providing life-saving helmets. This initiative helps reduce road fatalities in accordance with our 2024-2028 National Road Safety Plan,” he added.
Government’s Commitment to Motorsport Growth & Road Safety
The government’s support for both motorsport development and road safety initiatives aligns with its broader strategy to foster economic growth, innovation, and safer roads. These efforts are expected to boost Kenya’s position as a regional hub for motorsports while improving traffic safety for everyday road users.
