Action at a past WRC Safari Rally event/ WRCTThe Safari Rally has retained its coveted spot on the 2027 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar, ending months of anxious waiting for local rally enthusiasts and keeping Kenya firmly on the global rallying map.
The Safari Rally’s place on the 2027 calendar had been shrouded in uncertainty after the six-year contract signed back in 2021 expired this year.
Further uncertainty surrounded the event after President William Ruto declared that the 2026 edition would be the last Safari Rally to receive government support, raising fresh questions about the future of the iconic event.
Ruto, however, called on the private sector to take up the mantle and support future editions of the rally. What followed was a frantic push by the government, Motorsport Kenya Federation and the WRC Safari Rally team to ensure the iconic Safari Rally retained its place on the global stage.
Kenya’s slot was confirmed on Thursday afternoon when the FIA and WRC unveiled a 15-round 2027 calendar, one round more than the 14 originally scheduled for 2026. The 2026 calendar series concluded with 13 rounds after the scheduled season finale, Rally Saudi Arabia, was removed from the calendar because of regional instability and logistical complications.
The Safari Rally will be staged from March 18-21, 2027, marking another chapter in the storied event’s long association with the WRC. President William Ruto highlighted the importance of the Safari Rally remaining on the WRC calendar.
“The Safari Rally stays home. I am delighted to confirm that Kenya will host the WRC Safari Rally in 2027." “Once again, the world's finest drivers will take on our plains, our valleys and the legendary roads of Naivasha."
“The Safari was born on Kenyan soil. It belongs on Kenyan soil,” President Ruto said. He also highlighted the event's immense economic impact on the country.
“Every edition fills our hotels, energises our businesses and carries the beauty of our country to screens across the world.” Ruto thanked the Ministry of Sports and the WRC Safari Rally team for making the 2027 dream possible.
“I thank the Ministry of Sports, the WRC Safari Rally Project, our private-sector partners, the FIA and the WRC Promoter for making this possible. Tutaonana Naivasha!”
The Safari Rally was first held in 1953 to celebrate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II before joining the WRC calendar in 1973. It remained on the championship schedule until 2002, and made its return to the calendar in 2021
The 2027 season will start in Monaco from January 21-24 before heading to Sweden from February 18-21. After the Safari Rally, Croatia will follow from April 8-11, then Spain (May 6-9), Japan (June 3-6), Greece (June 24-27), Italy (July 8-11), Estonia (July 22-25), Finland (July 29-August 1), the United States (August 26-29), the United Kingdom (September 30-October 3), Paraguay (October 21-24), Chile (November 4-7), before the championship finale in Saudi Arabia (November 25-28). Éric Boullier, CEO of WRC Promoter, said the 2027 calendar represented the beginning of a new chapter for the championship.
“2027 represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the World Rally Championship, and this calendar reflects our ambition to build a stronger, more accessible and truly global championship.
“Returning to the United States and United Kingdom, alongside bringing the WRC to an iconic destination such as Rome, creates tremendous opportunities for our manufacturers, commercial partners and fans. “Combined with the introduction of new technical regulations, we have a unique opportunity to shape the future of the WRC, attract new investment and bring the excitement of rallying to more people around the world.”
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem echoed Boullier’s sentiments, describing the 2027 calendar as a reflection of the strong momentum behind the championship.
“The 2027 FIA World Rally Championship calendar reflects the strong momentum behind the WRC, with new events in the United Kingdom and Italy strengthening the Championship in countries with a proud rallying heritage, while the United States gives us an exciting opportunity to grow in a country where interest in rallying continues to rise.
“With the introduction of the WRC27 technical regulations, a new promoter, thanks to the deal of the century that will bring long-term investment and ambition to the championship, and a strong global calendar, the future of rallying is extremely bright.”
