The WRC rally fest in Naivasha has been nothing short of a sensational week-long extravaganza, attracting rally enthusiasts and party goers from near and far.
The lakeside town has been transformed into a hub of entertainment, drawing crowds from Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Malawi, and South Africa. The fest came to a close yesterday, but its impact lingers on, creating traffic congestion on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway.
Dubbed “Vasha” by the locals, Naivasha has become a haven for thrill-seekers, offering a free dance floor along the shores of Lake Naivasha.
While the rally drivers showcased their skills on the challenging tracks, their fans on the sidelines were marveled to the music of the engines, speed and dust clouds.
Even the clouds of dust kicked up by the speeding machines on scenic routes like Hell’s Gate, Kedong Ranch, Soysambu Ranch, and South Lake Road failed to deter the ardent motorsports enthusiasts.
Notably, the event attracted a dedicated group of young car enthusiasts known as the ‘subaru boys’. They adorned the rally routes with their beloved Subaru Foresters, adding a unique flavor to the rally scene.
The combination of alcohol-fueled revelry, the party atmosphere, and a sense of liberation led to a surge in illicit behavior. This reality has brought about a societal debate and raised concerns about the moral implications of the event. Naivasha now is appareled with the reputation of an infidel’s haven.
This has sparked discussions and debates, particularly concerning fidelity. Girls who attend the rally have been subject to judgment and scrutiny, with warnings to boys to be cautious if their partners attend the event without them.
This notion has created an environment where trust and fidelity are questioned, as some married men reportedly bring their extramarital partners to indulge in promiscuous activities during the rally.
Nevertheless, many families have chosen to make it a wholesome experience, bringing their children along to witness the thrill of speed and dust firsthand.
Despite the rally coming to an end, the aftermath continued to affect the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, with lingering traffic delays.
During this exodus of spectators back to Nairobi, the influx of vehicles has created a gridlock, causing frustration and extending travel times significantly. Turning what should be a one-hour journey into a grueling five-hour ordeal.
The congestion has prompted some adventurous individuals to even resort to using the train tracks as an alternative route.
@PhinelSenior
I can’t pay to go get rained on in the name of watching Safari rally, just watching Vitz, Demio, Note, Polo, Tiida passing at high speeds being chased by helicopters. Where’s the fun in this thing? You will call me hater but it doesn’t matter.
@julius_okuto
When I was growing up, as a young boy, Safari Rally was coming to us, we were NOT going to Safari Rally. We had East African Safari Rally, your duty was only to walk out of your home or simply be in your home and climb the top of the tallest tree and you are home. Hi ni Ufala.
@kamaupol
It’s free of charge, It’s annual, it’s a break from the norm, it’s for the car enthusiast.
