CS Mvurya confirms push to renew WRC Safari Rally past 2026 is underway

By Erick Kariuki
Saturday, March 22, 2025

The country's initial five-year agreement with the WRC Promoter concludes this year, but an extension was secured for an additional year until 2026.

Kenya is set to push for the continuation of the annual Safari Rally as part of the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar beyond next year. The announcement was made on Saturday by the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Salim Mvurya.

The country's initial five-year agreement with the WRC Promoter concludes this year, but an extension was secured for an additional year until 2026. Speaking at the Mixed Zone in Naivasha after completing the opening loop of Day 3 of the 2025 WRC Safari Rally, Mvurya affirmed Kenya’s commitment to keeping the event on the global motorsport calendar.

More To Read

"Kenya is the rally capital of Africa, and even though 2026 is coming, we are ready to go on. And therefore, as the government and all the partners, we will pitch a tent to ensure we go on," Mvurya stated, as seen by Safari Rally.

He emphasised Kenya’s unique appeal as a rallying destination, adding, "You will not find this combination, these exciting sites, or this exciting diversity in any other part of Africa." The enabling environment for the rally is spectacular."

Mvurya also stressed the importance of attracting private sector support to sustain the event, saying, "So, as the Kenya government, we are ready to push on to ensure we continue hosting the WRC and also invite more private sector so that moving forward, we have more private sector participating."

The CS further confirmed that President William Ruto would be present in Naivasha on Sunday for the award ceremony at Hell’s Gate following the conclusion of the 21-stage competition.

"As already directed by His Excellency the President, as a government, we are now going to put resources to make sure that motorsport becomes a talent we nurture at TVETs (Technical and Vocational Education Training) and other institutions," he stated.

Mvurya also praised the organisers of the 2025 Safari Rally for increasing accessibility for fans, noting that this edition has attracted more spectators than previous years since its WRC return in 2021.

"We are now in Day 3 of this motorsport competition, and I’m very happy with the turnout of the spectators. We have very many Kenyans and international visitors who have thronged various stations, he said.

Reflecting on the challenges of this year’s race, he added, "It’s been a tough rally; some areas are wet and others are dry, a good combination. This is a well-organised event, and everything is moving seamlessly."

During his engagement with the media, Mvurya also interacted with several WRC drivers, including championship leader Elfyn Evans, two-time world champion Kalle Rovanperä, reigning champion Thierry Neuville, 2019 world champion Ott Tänak, Japanese driver Takamoto Katsuta, and rising star Sami Pajari.