Kenya is once again looking forward to being featured in the 2027 WRC Calendar. In a bold step forward, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi announced on 3rd October that the government has submitted an extension request to the World Rally Championship organizers.
The previous agreement expired after the 2026 WRC Safari Rally was completed, raising questions about whether it will be back again. The extension request will secure Kenya as a WRC hosting ground for a period of five years, and planning for the 2027 edition is already underway.
If the bid to host the Rally event is successful, Kenya will be on the WRC Calendar until 2031. The previous agreement was signed in 2021, with the 2026 edition becoming the final year of the deal. According to the Government, the 2027 Safari Rally is expected to be bigger, as the inclusion of both public and private sector support creates a strong foundation for the event to run smoother and beyond previous events.
The private sector will have a bigger role in running the event in 2027, reducing the amount of public money required to stage the Rally. The arrangement of having the private sector involved will allow the government to be involved in areas that require state support, including negotiations on WRC hosting and security.
Kenya is known to be one of the most challenging areas on the WRC Calendar. With it included in the 2027 edition, it will continue maintaining its position as one of the toughest rounds of the WRC, while also attracting international attention and improving the tourism sector.
