Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Thursday officially flagged off the 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally in Naivasha, marking the start of one of the most demanding motorsport events in the global rally calendar.
The flag-off ceremony took place at the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Training Institute in Naivasha, Nakuru County, where rally teams, organisers and government officials gathered to launch the iconic event.
In a statement shared on his official social media pages on Thursday, March 12, 2026, Kindiki said the rally continues to attract global attention and remains one of the most unique competitions in international motorsport.
“This is the 74th Safari Rally and the sixth since the return of the event to the World Rally Championship calendar,” Kindiki said.
The Safari Rally returned to the global championship schedule in 2021 after nearly two decades, restoring Kenya’s place on the international motorsport stage.
Safari Rally among the toughest races in the world
Kindiki described the Kenyan rally as one of the most challenging races for drivers in the entire WRC series.
According to the Deputy President, the event is known for its rugged terrain and unpredictable conditions that test both drivers and their machines.
“This is the toughest and most intense rally in the WRC calendar, the only one where rough terrain, rain, wildlife and a vibrant community of half a million in-person fans meet to witness some of the world’s best rally drivers push themselves to new limits,” he said.
The rally stages around Naivasha, Hell’s Gate, Elementaita and Kedong are famous for rocky tracks, deep dust, muddy sections and rapidly changing weather conditions.
These factors have historically made the Safari Rally one of the most unpredictable and exciting events in the championship.
Government invests Sh400 million in rally event
The government has continued to support the rally as part of efforts to promote sports tourism and position Kenya as a global events destination.
Kindiki revealed that the government had committed significant funding to ensure the event remains part of the international calendar.
“The Government has invested 400 million shillings in event fees to the International Automobile Federation, and we thank corporate sponsors from the public and private sectors who have stepped forward to support this magnificent event,” he said.
The rally attracts thousands of local and international spectators each year, boosting business for hotels, tour operators, transport providers and other tourism-related sectors.
Corporate sponsors from both the public and private sectors also play a key role in supporting the event.
Inside the rally operations
Before officially flagging off the rally, Kindiki toured some of the key operational areas where organisers coordinate the event.
He said he had the opportunity to witness the technical and safety preparations that take place behind the scenes to ensure the rally runs smoothly.
“Honoured to witness what happens in the control room and in the service bay, and to flag off the 2026 WRC Safari Rally on behalf of President William Ruto,” he said.
The control room oversees stage monitoring, driver safety and communication between race officials, while the service bay allows rally teams to repair and prepare vehicles between competitive stages.
Global spotlight returns to Naivasha
The WRC Safari Rally remains one of the biggest sporting events in Kenya, drawing global media coverage and international rally teams.
Since its return to the championship calendar, the event has helped strengthen Kenya’s profile as a destination for global sports and tourism.
With thousands of fans expected to gather along rally stages across Naivasha and surrounding areas, the 2026 edition is expected to deliver another thrilling spectacle for motorsport enthusiasts.
