The future of the WRC Safari Rally in Kenya looks uncertain. The original deal with the WRC Promoter ran until 2025, and Kenya negotiated only a one-year extension for 2026. According to one report, the Kenya Safari Rally now “sits at a crossroads” between extinction and rebirth.
Kenyan President William Ruto has said the Safari Rally will be held for a fifth time in 2026 – but it will be “the last time” it receives government funding. Rally Kenya will be taken over by the private sector from 2027. Mr Ruto said government money would instead be spent on education and grassroots sport.
Africa’s WRC event brings major economic impact to Kenya. Rally events around Naivasha generate “millions”, and fill local hotels to almost 100% capacity. Tourism Minister Najib Balala said Safari Rally created “profound” impact on jobs and businesses.
When Safari Rally returned to Kenya in 2021, it was declared an overwhelming success. Led by organisers Simon Larkin and Iain Campbell, Kenya proved it could pull off a world-class event that still retained the Safari spirit. This year’s rally was labelled “another shining and audacious example of what the Safari’s all about”. Kenya is so popular that insiders claim a WRC season without Safari Rally Kenya is “almost unthinkable”.
Simon Larkin has shed some light on Kenya’s plans. The government will no longer take direct responsibility for running the rally, although police and military support will continue, as will road infrastructure investments. Kenya will also bring in private companies to coordinate the event. Sportpesa, Safaricom and KCB Bank have already signed up as shareholders. However, if Kenya fail to secure a long-term contract extension, Mr Larkin said the WRC would simply “build something new” in another African country.
Recent announcements suggest the slot may already be filled. Rally Scotland is officially on the calendar for 2027. The WRC is understood to be lining up a US event as the candidate for that year. Additionally, reports claim that other African nations are hopeful of securing Safari status. With less than a year to go, Kenya’s future as part of the WRC schedule in 2027 is very much up in the air.