The highly anticipated World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally at Kedong' spectator zone has not met the expectations of some rally fans, especially revellers who anticipated to have a party in the wild.

A rally fan Moses* says he travelled 200km to catch the rally cars in action. However, missing out on adding his favourite beer into the mix was not part of the plan.

"Last year we had a lot of vendors selling booze in this area and the party was on a high tempo. This is not the case this year," he notes.

Vendors at Kedong' spectator stage display sodas for sale on March 29, 2024.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

He says liquor should be sold as long as folks are drinking responsibly.

For him, he had to make a trip to Naivasha town centre to grab his drinks .

Margaret Njeri watches cars racing at the World Rally Championship from Kedong' spectator stage on March 29, 2024.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

Another fan, Margaret Njeri , says the Kedong' stage did not meet her expectations in regards to fans turn out and the level of hype in the area.

"This spectator stage is a land of milk and juice today. Rally na Easter without a drink or two is absurd. Let those interested in partying during the rally do so. We took leave days to come and have fun in Vasha," she laments.

In an interview with Mtaa Wangu, a liquor vendor from Nairobi, Ivy Wangila, revealed that the low turnout of liquor vendors is because of the high cost of licences needed to conduct the business at the spectator zones.

This she says is very different compared to last year.

Ivy Wangila, a liquor vendor at Kedong' spectator stage during an interview on March 29, 2024.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

"To run a mobile liquor shop here you have to get the Liquor license, Liquor Application receipt, public health certificate for the employees, good conduct, fire license, extinguisher and a Single Business Permit all amounting to Sh 150,000. ," she explains.

Ivy told Mtaa Wangu that some vendors had been sent back at the entry point during the inspection, since they did not meet the requirements.

wanjirukinuthia20@gmail.com

WRC: Kedong' spectator stage turns into land of milk and juice

Author Spotlight

Purity Kinuthia