The Ford Fiesta Rally3 of Nikhil Sachania and Deep Patel is put through its paces during pre-event testing for the WRC Safari Rally/ FILE

 Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) chief executive officer, June Chepkemei, has revealed that more than 10,000 motorsport fans from across the region are expected to stream into Naivasha for the 2026 WRC Safari Rally.

Chepkemei noted that rally enthusiasts from Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ethiopia are expected to join thousands of local and international spectators for this year’s edition of the iconic Safari Rally.

‎“Our East African neighbours represent a vital and high-potential source market for Kenya. By integrating events like the WRC Safari Rally with diverse regional attractions such as Mombasa, we are creating compelling travel itineraries that cater to a broader range of interests. This strategic approach not only boosts visitor arrivals but also strengthens regional ties and promotes shared prosperity through tourism,” Chepkemei said.

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According to Chepkemei, the tourism-marketing agency is leveraging the rally’s global spotlight to position Kenya as a multi-experience destination, where regional visitors can blend coastal adventures, rich cultural encounters and the adrenaline-charged spectacle of world-class motorsport.

‎She further revealed that a group of visitors from Uganda, who had spent the last four days exploring the Kenyan coast, were flagged off in Mombasa as they began their road trip to Naivasha for the rally.

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“This morning, we flagged off a group of Ugandan visitors from Mombasa who have been touring the coast for the past four days, including Kilifi County and Kwale County. “Their journey to Naivasha highlights the multi-destination travel experience Kenya is promoting. We encourage our regional visitors to immerse themselves in the unique culture, pristine beaches and historical sites of our coastal gem before heading to Naivasha for the rally,” she added.

The  Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers (KAHKC) executive officer, Dr Sam Ikwaye, also urged more rally fans to include the coast in their travel plans, describing the initiative as a shining example of regional cooperation.

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“We want to encourage more rally fans to visit Mombasa. This is a classic example of how cooperation within the East African region should work. When we receive visitors, we create economic development opportunities across the region,” he said.