How To Become A Rally Driver In Kenya

In this article, we will cover the process of becoming a rally driver in Kenya. Safari rally competition in Kenya has seen tremendous growth ever since Kenya returned to the World Rally Championship (WRC). The event was part of the World Rally Championship from 1973 until 2002, before returning in 2021.

Safari Rally is historically regarded as one of the toughest events in the World Rally Championship, and one of the most popular rallies in Africa. Since 2003, a historical event (East African Safari Rally) has been held biannually. Unlike Formula One, the World Rally Championship – aka the pinnacle of rallying – is open to everybody. 

If you enjoy driving cars for competition or just for fun, becoming a rally driver could be the best path for you to take. Rally drivers receive specialized training at rally driving schools in Kenya. But how did the sport’s superstars get to where they are today? This article will educate you on the basic informative details that you need to know.

How To Become A Rally Driver In Kenya

1. Obtain a driver’s license

To participate in rallies, you must have a valid driver’s license. Make sure you meet the age requirements and fulfil all the necessary legal obligations to obtain a driver’s license in Kenya.

2. Build a strong foundation in driving 

Start by honing your driving skills. Practice driving in various conditions, such as different terrains, weather conditions, and road surfaces. Familiarize yourself with the basic mechanics of a car and learn how to handle it effectively. It’s important to become a proficient and confident driver before moving on to rally driving.

3. Research and learn about rally driving

Learn about the different types of rallies and understand the rules and regulations governing them. Familiarize yourself with the terminology, rally formats, and the organizations that oversee rallying in Kenya, such as the Kenya Motor Sports Federation (KMSF).

4. Join a rally club

Join a rally club or motorsport organization in Kenya. These clubs provide a platform for aspiring rally drivers to connect with experienced professionals, gain knowledge, and participate in local events. Some popular rally clubs in Kenya include Rallye Sports Club (RSC) and Rift Valley Motor & Sports Club (RVMSC).

5. Attend rally driving schools

Before jumping in with both feet and parting with your hard-earned cash, pick out a rally school and book a day’s introduction course. Rally cars can be quite intimidating once you’re behind the wheel, so it’s best to see if this is for you. If it’s not, don’t worry. Sit on the other side and give co-driving a go, or get out there and marshal; these volunteers are the unsung heroic backbone of our sport.

These schools teach you advanced driving techniques, vehicle control, navigation skills, and safety protocols specific to rally racing. They can also provide valuable insights into the technical aspects of rally cars.

6. Get a rally car

Try to drive as many different cars as you can. Try rear-, front- and four-wheel drive. Driving these cars will give you a much better feel for what the car is doing. And don’t worry if your car’s not the most powerful; when you are starting out, that doesn’t matter. It’s very good to learn to drive your first car to the maximum before considering moving up and getting a more powerful car.

Acquire a suitable rally car that meets the specifications set by the rally organizers. Consult with experienced drivers and mechanics to determine the right type of car for your skill level and budget. Prepare the car for rallying by making necessary modifications to enhance performance and safety.

7. Safety First

When you’re building or buying your first car, get a scrutineer to have a look over it and make sure everything’s as it should be. You’ll probably have a scrutineer in your local car club – ask them to help. It’s not just the brakes, the roll cage and the fire extinguishers; make sure the seat fits you perfectly and the belts are correct. Then, get yourself a HANS device and the best crash helmet you can afford. You can replace the car, but you can’t do the same with your head.

8. Start participating in local rallies

Once you have gained some experience and training, start participating in local rallies to gain practical experience and exposure. Local events will help you build your skills, improve your driving techniques, and develop your racing instincts.

9. Stay dedicated and persistent

Rally driving is a challenging and competitive field. Stay committed, continuously hone your skills, and keep learning from every experience. Develop physical fitness, mental resilience, and a passion for the sport.

10. Network with experienced rally drivers

Attend rallies, events, and competitions to network with experienced rally drivers. They can provide valuable guidance, mentorship, and advice on how to progress in the sport.

11. Obtain necessary licenses and permits

Depending on the specific rally series or competition, you may need to acquire additional licenses and permits. This could include obtaining a competition license from the KMSF or other relevant motorsport authorities.

12. Seek sponsorship and funding

Rallying can be an expensive sport, especially when it comes to maintaining a rally car and participating in professional events. Look for sponsorships and funding opportunities from individuals, companies, or organizations interested in supporting motorsport. Present a compelling proposal highlighting your skills, achievements, and the exposure they will receive through your participation.

13. Gradually move up the ranks

As you gain more experience and showcase your skills in local rallies, gradually progress to higher-level events and championships. Participating in national and international rallies will help you gain recognition, experience tougher competition, and improve your overall performance.

Best Rally Driving Schools in Kenya

First, there are no “national selection trials for the Safari,” nor can one enter any motorsport event in Kenya without a competition license issued by the Kenya Motor Sport Federation (KMSF). You also need a car meeting basic safety standards and a big budget to engage in motorsport. These are some of the rally schools you can enrol to acquire the right skills.

1. Kenya Motor Sports Foundation (KMSF) Rally School

KMSF is the governing body for motorsports in Kenya and operates a rally school. They provide comprehensive training programs that cover various aspects of rally driving, including vehicle handling, navigation, and safety. The KMSF Rally School is located in Nairobi.

Location: Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, Nairobi Kenya

Phone: +254 734 810 000

Email: info@motorsportkenya.com

2. Rift Valley Motorsports Club

Rift Valley Motorsports Club is a motorsports organization in Kenya that conducts rally events and also provides rally driving training. They offer courses designed to introduce beginners to rally driving techniques and help them develop their skills. The club is located in Nakuru.

Phone: +254 723 271258

Email: rvmscnakuru@gmail.com

3. Abdul Sidi Rally Academy

Safari Rally veteran navigator Abdul Sidi runs ASRA (Abdul Sidi Rally Academy) where he uses his expertise in rallying to train rally drivers, controllers and stage commanders. He creates an avenue for young people to join the sport at a basic level. As a navigator, Abdul has done 18 Safaris and finished 15 of them. Abdul once called the pace-notes for the legendary Patrick Njiru. With ASRA Abdul Sidi has groomed over 60 students to join the sport. Riyaz Ismail, Tuta Mionki, Hellen Shiri, Eric Bengi, Joe Muchiri -just to name but a few-are all his students. 

ASRA provides rally lessons, advice or tips associated with Rally Navigators, Time Controllers, Marshals or any other subject related to the sport.

Location: Ngara Sports Club

Phone: Abdul Sidi on 0729487515

Kenya Rally Academy

On June 2023, The Kenyan sports ministry announced the establishment of a rally academy for talent discovery and nurturing the next generation of world-class drivers. Kenya has talent, as was proven in the period between 1970 to 1997 when factory teams relied on top local drivers to develop their machines and shore up their chances of winning the Safari.

Three of the local talent — Joginder Singh, Shekhar Mehta and Ian Duncan won seven titles between themselves as works teams drivers. Many more like Rob Collinge, Vic Preston Junior, Mike Kirkland and Patrick Njiru produced remarkable results for the factory teams. They all proved a match to the best in the world despite being part-timers.

Toyota by CFAO donated three cars for the Rally Academy which is headed by rallying ace Carl Tundo, the chairman of the WRC Safari Rally Local Organising Committee. Tutors are not in short supply. Retired drivers like Njiru, Azar Anwar and Baldev Chager are being used to share their extensive expertise, and at the same time give back to the sport as resident trainers.

FIA Rally Star Program

The FIA Rally Star program is an initiative launched by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) in 2021 to identify and nurture young rallying talents from around the world. The FIA Rally Star program aims to provide a platform for young drivers between the ages of 17 and 26 to showcase their skills and potentially advance their careers in rallying.

The program utilizes a selection process that involves virtual competitions and evaluations to identify talented drivers. Successful participants are then offered the opportunity to progress through various stages of the program, including regional and global finals. The FIA Rally Star program provides training, coaching, and support to the selected drivers, helping them develop their skills and knowledge in rallying. The program also promotes inclusivity by allowing both men and women to participate on an equal footing. It focuses on nurturing talent and creating opportunities for young drivers to excel in the sport

How to join the FIA Rally Star Program

This scheme starts at the bottom through Digital Motorsport, using driving simulators and the FIA Rally Star partner video game then move up in the form of Motorkhana, which involves manoeuvring a production vehicle through a handling course. The FIA distributes the simulator kits to its 144 National Sporting Authorities (ASNs) for use by their citizens through funding from FIA Innovation Funding (FIF).

The second level will involve an “FIA Tour” through six continental finals. Continental champions will then compete against the clock behind the wheels of proper XC Cross Cars for each continent, plus one for the best woman driver in the world. The students will then be subjected to intensive training by goodwill ambassadors and coaches in Europe to prepare them to participate in a minimum of six rallies in M-Sport Ford Fiesta Rally3 cars to further identify four drivers, including a female, who will join the FIA Junior WRC category in the WRC.

They will be trained to win rallies, the ultimate goal being the FIA WRC 3 crown after two seasons to be declared the FIA Rally Star champion and a chance to be noticed by big factory teams. The FIA aims to improve the global profile of the WRC currently dominated by drivers from Europe except Takamoto Katsuta of Japan in the WRC Toyota Gazoo Racing lineup.

Not all those who participate in FIA Rally Star will become World Champions, but some will discover in more detail a field in which they will be able to personally or professionally flourish. Drivers at all levels, engineers, officials and volunteers will no doubt be included among them.

FIA Rally Star Program in Kenya

This programme is open to all Kenyans, KMSF, in our case, is allowed to use other talent assessment methods it deems fit to achieve this objective. Currently, three Kenyan drivers McRae Kimathi, Hamza Anwar and Jeremiah Wahome are enrolled on the program. They get the chance to compete in the WRC Safari Rally every year under the Rally 3 class.