DP Kindiki to flag off Safari Rally

‎Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is expected to officially flag off the four-day, 20-stage WRC Safari Rally today at 3pm at the Wildlife Training and Research Institute (WTRI) in Naivasha, Nakuru County. ‎

‎President William Ruto will later bring the curtain down on the motorsport extravaganza during the official closing ceremony at Hell's Gate National Park, also in Naivasha. ‎

‎Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi confirmed that the Deputy President will preside over the ceremonial flag-off, adding that the country is fully primed to host the iconic round of the World Rally Championship.

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‎ ‎“We have confirmed that we are ready. Our plea is to our spectators that they come in large numbers tomorrow during the flagging off."

‎ ‎“For Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, we are calling upon Kenyans and everybody to be here in Naivasha so that we can witness this year’s WRC Safari Rally,” the PS stated. ‎ ‎

Mwangi further revealed that more than 1,050 security personnel, alongside close to 400 marshals will be deployed across the rally route to maintain order and guarantee the safety of drivers, media and spectators. ‎

‎“Last year, we had some challenges, but this year we expect that spectators will abide by the instructions that we shall get from the security team." ‎

‎“Anybody who will be coming here should be part of this event. We have worked well with the County Government of Nakuru to ensure that this year’s event is smooth,” Mwangi added.

‎Looking ahead, Mwangi also disclosed that starting in 2026, the organisation of the Safari Rally will transition into a partnership between the public and private sectors.

"The government has put in money and provided the relevant environment required for this to happen, including the provision of this facility (WTRI) owned by the government."

‎ ‎“We did pay the promoter fee and the FIA fees and those other services that are required to be met by the government, such as the security and the marshals."

‎ ‎“Then the corporate sector came in with their expertise. They have provided some of the services and event management, including ensuring we have dealt with the nitty-gritty that pertains to the Safari Rally,” Mwangi explained. ‎

‎Action in the 2026 Safari Rally will begin with the shakedown on Thursday morning at the brand-new 6.31 km Nawisa before the flag-off at 3 pm.

‎ ‎From there, the rally caravan will dive straight into the opening competitive tests, Camp Moran 1 (24.35km) and Mzabibu 1 (8.86km).

‎ ‎Mwangi also reiterated that Kenya is edging closer to securing a fresh five-year contract with the WRC Promoter, a move expected to further cement the country’s place on the global rally calendar.