2025 WRC Safari Rally to start at City Hall Way

This year’s World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally, scheduled from March 20 to 23 will feature several modifications aimed at enhancing the fan experience.

One of the most notable changes is the shift of the starting point from the traditional Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) grounds to the adjacent City Hall Way. Additionally, the Super Special spectator stage at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, will be run in reverse order.

The Kasarani stage, which was voted the best spectator stage in the WRC series last year, will once again provide fans with a thrilling experience.

After the Presidential flag-off at City Hall Way on March 20, a fleet of 50 cars will head straight to the Kasarani spectator stage, where fans will witness drivers battle it out concurrently.

“We want to bring the WRC fan experience right down to the fans, who will line up along the City Hall Way,” said WRC Safari Rally Chief Executive Officer, Charles Gacheru.

The Lodia stage, also featured on March 20, will run in reverse order, as will the Elementaita (17.1km) and Soysambu (29.32km) stages on March 21 in Naivasha.

“We want to make it exciting not only for the fans but also for the drivers, who will find it interesting running in reverse order from the usual route,” Gacheru added.

Gacheru made these remarks after hosting the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Salim Mvurya, at the WRC Safari Rally Service Park at the Kenya Wildlife Research and Training Institute in Naivasha on Tuesday.

Mvurya and Gacheru also met with Nakuru County government officials, led by Deputy Governor David Kones.

In another significant change, Gacheru revealed that the prize presentation on the final day, March 23, will be moved from the Service Park to the scenic Hells Gate.

The modifications come after the organisers introduced several new stages to this year’s rally. These include the 5km-long shakedown at Sleeping Warrior in Naivasha, the 8.3km-long Leleshwa stage, and the 32.2km-long Camp Moran stage, which is situated next to Sleeping Warrior.

“The Camp Moran stage will perhaps be the most interesting due to its long, narrow, and fast route. This route has never been used before,” said Gacheru.

The Safari Rally Village at Morendat will also be enhanced and live for the entire four-day event. Additionally, organizers will be ticketing entries to the Safari Rally Village to collect data on attendees.

Clerk of the Course, George Mwangi, emphasised that the event will feature WRC works teams, Africa Rally Championship (ARC), and Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) cars. However, participation will be restricted to just 50 entries.

“The rally has to be held during the day, and although there is massive interest from many European countries, we have to limit the numbers,” Mwangi said.

Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team won last year’s Safari Rally for the fourth consecutive year, with Kalle Rovanperä leading Takamoto Katsuta in a one-two finish.

This year’s WRC Safari Rally will cover 384km of competitive stages.