NAIVASHA, Kenya — The World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally may no longer stretch across a thousand unforgiving miles, yet its spirit remains firmly rooted in the red gravel of the Great Rift Valley. As crews prepare to flag off on Thursday, Naivasha hums with anticipation. Dust hangs in the air, mechanics make last-minute adjustments, and the familiar roar of rally engines signals the return of one of motorsport’s most storied events.
The Safari has always been spectacle, part endurance test, and part national showcase. Here, cutting-edge rally machines share space with wildlife and open landscapes that have become synonymous with Kenya’s global image.
A New Centre of Gravity
This year marks a significant shift. For the first time since the Safari returned to the WRC calendar in 2021, the ceremonial start moves fully to Naivasha, transforming the lakeside town into the centre of the rally.
The atmosphere was already charged during the mandatory drivers’ briefing, where 57 competitors drivers and co-drivers representing the 46 entered crews gathered for the final safety instructions ahead of the rally’s 20 special stages.
The entry list blends established champions with ambitious newcomers. Nine-time world champion Sébastien Ogier returns as part of the formidable Toyota Gazoo Racing line-up, a team that has dominated the Kenyan round in recent years. Reigning Safari winner Elfyn Evans will look to defend his title, though Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville arrives determined to challenge Toyota’s grip on the event.
View the full entry list by visiting the WRC Safari Rally website
Homegrown Heroes
For Kenyan fans, however, the spotlight naturally turns to the local drivers who know these roads better than most.
Reigning African rally champion Karan Patel leads the home charge in a Škoda Fabia, joined by rally stalwart Carl “Flash” Tundo, a five-time Safari winner whose experience on these stages remains invaluable.
The event also highlights a growing wave of talent from across the region. Rwanda’s Queen Kalimpinya continues to attract attention as part of the KCB-backed programme supporting emerging drivers. She is joined by the mother-and-daughter pairing of Tinashe and Caroline Gatimu, bringing a rare family dynamic to the ARC3 category.
Leading the “Lioness” charge, veteran driver Lisa Christoffersen returns to the cockpit alongside her navigator Christabel Wacuka, bringing their trademark grit and Subaru power to the Naivasha stages.
Meanwhile, veteran Pauline Sheghu returns once again to the dust of Naivasha. A respected figure in Kenyan motorsport, Sheghu has finished every Safari Rally since its return to the WRC calendar in 2021. Alongside co-driver Linet Ayuko, she remains a powerful symbol of resilience and the growing presence of women in rallying.
Beyond the Rally Stages
Away from the stages, the Safari Rally continues to play a significant role in Kenya’s economy and tourism sector. KCB Bank’s commitment of KSh 227 million forms part of a broader KSh 980 million investment since the rally’s return to the championship. Organisers expect crowds to surpass last year’s 400,000 spectators.
The rally’s wider legacy is also becoming increasingly evident. Development programmes linked to the event, alongside environmental initiatives such as the Greening Safari campaign, aim to ensure the rally leaves a lasting impact beyond the competition itself.
“This is not just a race,” said Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya. “It is a celebration of Kenya’s heritage and a platform to showcase our country to the world.”
Key figures for the 2026 Safari Rally
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46 crews entered
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57 competitors present at the drivers’ briefing
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20 special stages covering 350.52 km of competitive distance
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18 Kenyan drivers competing for local and continental honours
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KSh 8.2 billion projected economic impact
As engines fire into life for Thursday’s shakedown, the message from seasoned rally followers remains unchanged. The Safari Rally may have evolved, but its reputation endures.
In the Rift Valley, the dust still rises and the Safari still tests the limits of both driver and machine.
