Mvurya confirms push is on for extension of WRC Safari Rally past 2026

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has confirmed the government is pushing for the extension of Kenya’s hosting rights for the WRC Safari Rally beyond 2026 when the current tenure expires.

Regarded as one of the toughest and most iconic events on the WRC calendar, the Safari Rally made its grand return to the global stage in 2021 after a 19-year hiatus.  It remains the most anticipated rally event, drawing over 124 million spectators worldwide.

With the current hosting contract set to run out next year, Mvurya assured that the country is ready to make a compelling case for an extension.

"Kenya is the Rally capital of Africa. Even though 2026 is coming, we are ready to go on and as the government, we will pitch a tent to ensure we go on."

The CS highlighted Kenya’s unique appeal, emphasising the country’s breathtaking landscapes and ideal conditions for rallying.

"You will not find this combination of exciting sites and diversity in any other part of Africa. The enabling environment here for the WRC is also spectacular," Mvurya said.

Mvurya urged for increased participation from the private sector to bolster Kenya’s bid for an extension.

"As the government, we are ready to push on and ensure we continue hosting WRC Safari Rally. We also invite more private sector participation so that going forward, we have more private sector participation," he added.

He highlighted the rally’s economic impact, noting how it has revitalised Naivasha and its environs.

"The whole ecosystem of this area has been activated and this is beyond motorsport and that is why we need to build our capacity and momentum to ensure we maintain the high profile in the continent in terms of hosting the event," he said.

Flagged off on Thursday, the Safari Rally entered Day Three today with the CS noting he was so far pleased with the turnout.

"We are now on Day Three of the Safari Rally and I am very happy with the turnout. We have many Kenyans as well as international spectators who have thronged various spectator stages," he noted.

He commended the seamless organisation of this year’s event, attributing its success to strong partnerships.

"Everything has gone on smoothly and we thank our partners and sponsors as well as the FIA for the good organisation," he added.

Mvurya reminded fans heading to Naivasha to prioritise safety, especially in the wildlife-rich rally zones.

"Safety comes first. There are wild animals here and they have the right of way. We urge everyone to maintain a high level of caution," he warned.

He further extended his best wishes to local and international drivers as they took on the gruelling Safari terrain.

"We wish the drivers all the best because this is a tough rally.  Some of the areas are muddy and others dusty. It's a combination of a tough terrain."

He added: “We also have Kenyan drivers (men and women) in the race and we wish them luck," he said.

Mvurya confirmed that President William Ruto will attend the final leg of the rally tomorrow at Hell’s Gate National Park, where the winners will be crowned.

"Tomorrow, we will be at Hell's Gate for the Finale and President William Ruto will be in attendance so we urge more Kenyans to come out and support the drivers."