Safaricom will pilot a smart vehicle tracking system onboard their rally car during this year’s East African Safari Classic Rally.
The telco will pilot an IoT (Internet of Things) powered Telematics solution which integrates with the vehicle’s on-board computer, collects information on several parameters that are accumulated and recorded at the end and start of each trip. This provides insights into journey duration, vehicle speed, route information, fuel consumption and driver behaviour.
The company is in the process of testing new IoT solutions which will allow systems, processes, machinery and ‘things’ to become truly interconnected and interoperable. According to Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa, this technology delivers a clear overview of what is happening in every part of an ecosystem, without disrupting operations. The Telematics offering which they are piloting at the East African Safari Classic Rally allows for visualization of information relating to vehicle performance and efficiency, vehicle status and driver behaviour; providing key information to better manage any fleet.
The telematics pilot is part of a sponsorship deal that has seen Safaricom commit KES 1 million in support of Raaji’s quest for a podium finish at the East African Safari Classic Rally.
Last week Safaricom also announced a KES 6 million sponsorship for the East African Safari Classic Rally through its M-PESA platform. The Telco is also backing reigning African Rally Champion Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo as he targets a podium finish at the event.
The rally will begin with scrutineering at the KWSTI in Naivasha where the event will be flagged off. The action then proceeds to Sarova Woodlands in Nakuru, Coverdale in Nanyuki for two days, Kilima Camp in Amboseli for three days, Salt Lick Lodge at Taita Hills, before concluding at Ocean Sports in Watamu, where the Prize Giving Gala will be held.
