Hawking, parking of cars next to roads in Naivasha banned during Rally

The organizers of the World Rally Championship (WRC) have banned hawking and parking of private cars along roads in Naivasha.

A day before the event is flagged-off, the organizers were oozing confidence that this year’s event would be better compared to last year with more spectators expected.

According to WRC Safari Rally chief executive officer Phineas Kimathi, all was set for the event with an estimated 200,000 participants, traders and spectators expected in the lakeside town.

Kimathi announced that parking of cars and hawking by the roadside had been banned as this was one of the main reasons for the major traffic snarl-up recorded last year.

“We have designated spectators zones which are open to all and any car found parked by the roadside will be towed and released on Monday,” he said.

The senior officer added that the rally cars would use a link-road from the KWS Training Institute service bay to Moi South lake road in a bid to address traffic jams in Naivasha town.

He at the same time added that there was no limit on the number of spectators as was last year due to the containment measures placed by the Government in addressing Covid-19.

“We are asking spectators to travel a day in advance to avoid the traffic jam and to keep off from the roadside whether parking or selling any kind of merchandise,” he said.

Kimathi noted that Kenya was the only country in Africa and the third outside Europe to hold the event which would support hundreds of traders in Naivasha town.

On his part, Sammy Mugo from the Naivasha Tourism Association said that all the major hotels in the lakeside town were fully booked for the event.

Mugo who is the association treasurer noted that last year’s event was an eye-opener adding that they expected large crowds and more fun.

“Last year we had many challenges including the pandemic but this time we are looking forward to hosting a better global event which will attract thousands,” he said.

Mugo who is also the MD Panorama Hotel added that they were better prepared this year adding that they were getting booking inquiries every day.