Kenya will yet again host the World Rally Championship Safari Rally when the 2025 WRC series gets underway between March 20-23.
The Cabinet approved the hosting of the world event during its meeting on Tuesday, chaired by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi.
Kenya signed a deal with the World Rally Championship to extend Safari Rally hosting rights to December 2026 following its successful return to the championship after almost two decades.
Safari Rally Kenya is one of the most punishing events on the racing calendar that features four series: WRC, WRC2, WRC3, and Junior WRC.
It is a motorsport adventure like no other.
Known as one of the toughest and most unpredictable events on the calendar, it challenges drivers with rough terrain, deep ruts, and the ever-present threat of sudden rainfall.
Set in the heart of Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes, the rally blends modern WRC competition with the spirit of classic endurance events.
Stages in the World Safari Rally Kenya
The 2025 WRC Safari Rally Kenya slated for March 20-23 in Naivasha, Nakuru and Nairobi counties, will feature two new stages, the organisers have announced.
Morendat Farm in Naivasha and Camp Moran have been included in the route of the competition with its shakedown stage moved from the traditional Loldia stage to Sleeping Warrior.
The iconic 32km Kedong stage has been reduced by half.
In the past, there have been spectator zones that have not been well communicated to spectators.
So, this time, WSR Kenya wants them to know in advance what they can do and where they can catch rally action.
Besides increasing spectator autograph zones, WSR Kenya has introduced a rally village that will run for four days.
Spectators will have a full experience of viewing vehicles on location and will be able to see race cars throughout the route.
Highlights of the World Safari Rally Kenya
Rugged Terrain: Drivers tackle rocky roads, sandy tracks, and water crossings, all while battling intense heat.
Wildlife Encounters: Elephants, giraffes, and zebras make this rally uniquely Kenyan.
Historic Legacy: After returning to the WRC in 2021, Safari Rally Kenya revives the spirit of classic endurance rallies.
Itinerary
The WRS will begin with shakedown on March 19, covering 5.00km
Thursday, March 20, 2025
President William Ruto will flag off the WRS at 11:26 during a ceremonial start, KICC, Nairobi
13:05 SS1 - Super Special Kasarani (4.76km)
15:58 SS2 - Mzabibu 1 (8.15km)
Friday, March 21, 2025
Action will focus on Naivasha.
06:15 Service A - WRTI Naivasha - 15 mins
07:28 SS3 - Camp Moran 1 (32.20km)
08:56 SS4 - Loldia 1 (19.11km)
10:14 SS5 - Geothermal 1 (13.12km)
11:02 SS6 - Kedong 1 (15.10km)
? 11:19 Service B - WRTI Naivasha - 40 mins
12:57 SS7 - Camp Moran 2 (32.20km)
14:25 SS8 - Loldia 2 (19.11km)
15:43 SS9 - Geothermal 2 (13.12km)
16:31 SS10 - Kedong 2 (15.10km)
? 17:16 Flexi Service C - WRTI Naivasha - 45 mins
Saturday March 22, 2025
08:41 SS11 - Sleeping Warrior 1 (26.88km)
09:35 SS12 - Elmenteita 1 (17.31km)
10:32 SS13 - Soysambu 1 (29.32km)
? 12:53 Service D - WRTI Naivasha - 40 mins
14:59 SS14 - Sleeping Warrior 2 (26.88km)
16:05 SS15 - Elmenteita 2 (17.31km)
17:06 SS16 - Soysambu 2 (29.32km)
? 19:22 Flexi Service E - WRTI Naivasha - 45 mins
Sunday March 23, 2025
07:53 SS17 - Oserengoni 1 (18.33km)
09:05 SS18 - Hell's Gate 1 (10.53km)
? 10:18 Service F - WRTI Naivasha - 15 mins
10:56 SS19 - Mzabibu 2 (8.15km)
12:07 SS20 - Oserengoni 2 (18.33km)
14:15 SS21 - Hell's Gate 2 (10.53km)
This will be followed by the award ceremony at 15:30, the Podium
Entry list
Topping the entry list for the Kenyan race is Toyota's Elfyn Evans, navigated by fellow Briton Scott Martin in a Toyota GR Yaris.
They will be followed by the Finish duo teammates of Kalle Rovanpera and Jonne Hattunen in a similar car.
Evans heads the list for Toyota holding a 28-point advantage coming into the rally, ahead of compatriot Rovanperä and fellow teammate Takamoto Katsuta of Japan in the fifth position, navigated by Aaron Johnston of Ireland also in a Toyota GR Yaris.
Rovanperä is a two-time Safari winner, while Katsuta has finished on the podium in three of his four previous Safari starts.
Kenya will be represented by Karan Patel in a Scoda Fabia, navigated by Tauseef Khan.
The duo features in position 17 on the entry list, two positions ahead of Carl Tundo and Tim Jessop in a Ford Fiesta.
They are followed by Jeremiah Wahome and Victor Okundi in the Skoda Fabia in position 20, and Hamza Anwar and Adnan Din in the Ford Fiesta.
Other Kenyan rally drivers are Samman Singh Vohra, navigated by Briton Drew Sturrock in a Skoda Fabia Evo, and Aakif Virani and Zahir Shah also in a Skoda Fabia.
Other Kenyan drivers are Nikhil Sachana (Ford Fiesta Rally3); Jasmeet Chana (Ford Fiesta), Rio Smith (Ford Fiesta Rally3); Minesh Rathod (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X); Sameer Nanji (Subaru Impreza WRX); Issa Amwari (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X); Evans Nzioka (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X); Pauline Sheghu (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X) and Ishmael Ombati navigated by John Kadivane also in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X.
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!