Safari Rally legend Mike Doughty dies at 88

Legendary Safari Rally navigator Mike Doughty. (Photo: Handout)

By Bashir Mbuthia
Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Doughty passed away at the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi on Monday, bringing an end to a decorated career in rallying that spanned over a decade.

Legendary Safari Rally navigator Mike Doughty, one of only two competitors to win four consecutive Safari Rally races, is dead.

Reports indicate that Doughty passed away at the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi on Monday, bringing an end to a decorated career in rallying that spanned over a decade.

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Born in Tanga, Tanzania, on December 1, 1936, Doughty is mostly famous for partnering with Shekhar Mehta to dominate the Safari Rally from 1979 to 1982, twice in a Datsun 160J and twice again in a Nissan Violet GT.

Mehta remains the most successful Safari Rally driver in the competition's history, with five victories, having won another title in 1973 when the event was part of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). This feat has only been matched by Carl "Flash" Tundo, who also has five wins (2004, 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2018).

Doughty's deep understanding of the African terrain, paired with his sharp instincts and steady composure, made him a household name in rallying circles.

Over the years, he also teamed up with other celebrated drivers such as Vic Preston Jr, Mike Kirkland, and Jayant Shah. His legacy is further cemented by his incredible record, finishing 19 out of 22 Safari Rallies, a feat few have come close to matching. He represented teams, including Audi, Nissan, Peugeot, and Lancia, during his career.

Beyond his competitive career, he played a key role in rally administration, serving as General Manager of the Safari Rally and later officiating international events.

In his later years, Doughty continued to be a beloved figure in the Kenyan motorsport community, living at Fairstare Home for the Aged in Nairobi and sharing his rich experiences with younger generations.

Members of Kenya's rallying fraternity have since mourned his passing.

"So, so sorry to hear this. I did one rally with Mike, which was great, so precise and prompt, a great organiser, and left nothing to chance. He knew the routes inside out and produced excellent notes. Someone to learn from. RIP Mike," said Ann Taieth, the first Kenyan woman to win a Kenya National Rally Championship.

"Oh dear.. Very sad.. Mike was a motor rally legend.. He took me under his wing when I decided I would like to try heading radio communication instead of going out on controls.. He was a no-nonsense person, but you always knew where you stood with him.. Bless you, Mike, you will be remembered. Rest in peace," added Safari Rally Organiser, Jackie Holt.

Doughty, who never married or sired any children during his lifetime, will be remembered not only for his achievements but also for his unwavering passion and humility.