Kenya's Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi announced that the government has formally submitted a request to extend its World Rally Championship (WRC) hosting deal beyond 2026. The proposed extension would potentially keep the Safari Rally on the championship calendar through the 2031 season. This move aims to secure the Safari Rally's long-term future. Mwangi made the announcement on Saturday, 3 October, while speaking in Mathioya, Murang'a County.
The request for an extension comes as the current deal is set to expire in 2026. Kenya rejoined the WRC in 2021 after a 19-year absence, signing an initial five-year agreement. The 2026 edition marked the final year of that original deal, making the extension request a critical moment for the rally's future. If the bid succeeds, Kenya could remain on the WRC calendar through the 2031 season.
Beyond the extension bid, Kenya is also rethinking how the event is run. Starting from the 2026 edition, the government has increased the involvement of private sector stakeholders in the rally's coordination and management. Mwangi indicated that the state would continue collaborating with private partners through a special purpose vehicle, a structure designed to ease the financial burden on the government.
The restructuring follows earlier uncertainty over Kenya's position on the WRC calendar, with reports by September indicating that private funding was being actively sought to resolve outstanding issues around the rally's continuation. The Safari Rally has grown into one of the most gruelling stops on the WRC circuit, renowned for its rough gravel roads, unpredictable weather and punishing terrain.
The 2026 edition of the Safari Rally was claimed by Japan's Takamoto Katsuta, who secured his maiden WRC victory in Naivasha. With the government's preparations for a bigger March 2027 event underway, the extension is not yet confirmed. Kenya must still reach a formal agreement with WRC organisers before the 2027 Safari Rally can be officially locked into the championship calendar.
Planning for the 2027 edition is already underway, with Mwangi stating that the government and private sector will support the event. The involvement of private sector partners is expected to bring in new ideas and financial support to make the event bigger and better. The Safari Rally's continued presence on the WRC calendar is seen as a significant boost to Kenya's motorsport industry.
The outcome of the extension request will be crucial for the future of the Safari Rally. If successful, it will provide a long-term future for the event and allow Kenya to continue hosting one of the most popular and challenging rallies on the WRC circuit. The Kenyan government remains optimistic about the prospects of the Safari Rally remaining on the WRC calendar for years to come.
Key points
- Kenya seeks 5-year extension to host Safari Rally on WRC calendar beyond 2026
- Extension would keep Safari Rally on WRC calendar through 2031 season
- Kenya restructuring Safari Rally organisation with private sector partners
