By KPC Sports Reporter
Kenya has officially switched to “system go” mode ahead of the 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally, with the government confirming the event’s dates, routes and overall programme.
The iconic motorsport event will be held from March 12 to 15, 2026, in Nakuru County, marking another major milestone in Kenya’s continued return to the global rallying calendar.
Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya said the government had fully sanctioned the rally and confirmed that all technical requirements had been met.
He was speaking on Friday after receiving a comprehensive project oversight report on Kenya’s preparedness from the WRC organising team.
“We are ready to host this event again in Kenya. We have complied with all the technical conditions and we are confident we will host another memorable rallying event as we seek to extend the contract for five years,” Mvurya said.
According to the organisers, more than 50 drivers have already confirmed their participation, underlining the rally’s growing appeal on the international stage.
Kenya is also optimistic about securing a five-year extension of its hosting contract.
WRC Chief Executive Officer Charles Gacheru confirmed that key technical aspects, including route reconnaissance and ground checks, had been successfully completed.
However, he noted changes to the rally format following new regulations by the global motorsport governing body.
“For the first time, the shakedown will not take place in Nairobi. This year’s shakedown will be held in Naivasha on Thursday near Naivasha Prison, and the rally will run for four days instead of five,” Gacheru said.
He urged Nairobi-based rally fans, who traditionally turn out in large numbers for the shakedown, to travel to Naivasha, assuring them that the area would be freely accessible.
The 2026 Safari Rally is expected to attract a larger crowd than the 2025 edition, which drew over 100,000 spectators.
The event has already received endorsement from the Kenya Motorsport Federation and is awaiting final approval from the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), a mandatory clearance for international competition.
As part of efforts to grow motorsport across the country, Mvurya also directed the WRC team to begin scouting and mapping potential rally routes in other counties.
“We need to extend this sport to other parts of the country, and I am tasking the team responsible to do extensive mapping for routes in other counties where this event can take place,” he said.