By KPC Sports Reporter
Kenya has confirmed full readiness to host the 2026 edition of the Safari Rally in Naivasha.
Government officials and organisers said in a statement that all safety, logistical, and operational requirements have been met ahead of the global motorsport event.
Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi said the country’s organizing structures, security arrangements, and event management teams were fully prepared for the rally, which runs from March 12 to March 15.
The rally, part of the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar, will be staged in Nakuru County, about 91 kilometres northwest of Nairobi, with all competitive stages taking place around the Great Rift Valley.
Mwangi said the government had ensured the rally meets all international safety requirements set by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
“These are not internal targets,” Mwangi said.
“They are binding international requirements that Kenya has met in full, ensuring the safety of competitors, officials, and spectators.”
He noted that certified medical response units will be deployed at all 20 competitive stages, while trained marshals will be stationed across rally routes and spectator areas.
Clear exclusion zones and emergency evacuation protocols have also been put in place.
According to the PS, the National Police Service is working closely with rally organizers and county authorities to maintain security throughout the event.
“The police are fully embedded in the security operation alongside the Safari Rally Secretariat and the County Government of Nakuru to ensure a safe rally environment,” Mwangi said after leading the final pre-event coordination meeting involving organizers, security agencies, and county officials.
He added that Kenya’s return to the WRC calendar had reinforced the country’s reputation as a top global motorsport destination.
“The confidence of the FIA, the competing teams, and the global motorsport community in Kenya is well placed, and the government is determined to honour it,” Mwangi said.
Head of the Safari Rally Secretariat Carl Tundo also expressed confidence in the event’s preparedness, saying organizers had worked closely with government agencies, sponsors, landowners, and local communities.
“We have worked extensively with all stakeholders to ensure every competitive stage is safe, accessible, and ready for spectators,” said Tundo, a five-time Safari Rally winner.
One of the rally’s key commercial partners, SportPesa, also reaffirmed its support for the event.
The company’s CEO Ronald Karauri said the rally provides a powerful platform to showcase Kenya’s ability to host elite international sporting events.
“The Safari Rally continues to reflect Kenya’s growing stature as a destination for world-class sport,” Karauri said.
The 2026 rally, the third round of the WRC season, is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of spectators locally and a global television audience running into tens of millions.
Organisers have urged fans attending the event to strictly follow safety guidelines, respect marshals and police instructions, and consult official channels for stage maps and designated spectator zones.