Read 2 minutes

Kenyan rally driver Issa Amwari is eagerly awaiting next month’s WRC Safari Rally in Kenya to achieve a lofty target.

Amwari was introduced to motorsport by his father, Nkubu, himself a rally driver. He started rallying in 2010 and slowly racked up invaluable experience while working his way up the ranks.

After several years of racing in the local Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) circuit, Amwari finally took a step up.

Amwari competed in his first Safari Rally in 2022 and also came back in 2023. He managed to start and finish both events, terming his outings a “very good accomplishment”.

Emboldened by his achievements, Amwari has set his sights on a bigger prize at the WRC Safari Rally. He aims to finish on the podium in the Group Rally4 (RC4) category. The RC4 category incorporates the highest-performance front-wheel drive cars.

Amwari could have secured a podium finish in last year’s event but a puncture during the Sleeping Warrior stage hampered his progress resulting in him finishing in fourth place.

This year, he is optimistic about his chances and believes he can go one better.

“We want to finish and finish well and finish in a good position. Last year, we came in fourth. This time, we want a podium one, two, or three, but mostly, we want one,” Amwari said.

For many Kenyan rally drivers and motorsport enthusiasts, the dream is simply to take part in the Safari Rally and finish it. But once that dream is achieved, the ambition and desire to do more only increases.

“We know we are capable. We have the skill and a car that can achieve that.”

Amwari will be navigated by Dennis Mwenda for the second year in a row.  Amwari is gearing up for the March event by taking part in the KNRC opener, the Eldoret Rally, on February 17-18.

(Story compiled with assistance from wire reports)