The first day of the World Rally Championship Safari Rally proved nothing short of spectacular, with residents of Naivasha and visitors enjoying a thrilling start to the 2026 edition of the iconic motorsport event.
The Safari Rally is the third round of World Rally Championship (WRC) series.
Defending champion, Elfyn Evans from Great Britain, and reigning world champion Sebastian Ogier from France headline a star-studded Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team (WRT) for this year’s competition.
Current championship leader Evans is fresh from winning Rally Sweden held over Valentine’s Day weekend, and Ogier, the 2021 and 2023 WRC Safari Rally champion, returns to the WRC’s toughest rally, aiming to hand the Japanese constructors team yet another victory.
Swedish driver Oliver Solberg navigated by Elliott Edmondson in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 at Kedong in Naivasha during day-two of WRC Safari Rally.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation
The fabled WRC Safari Rally will cover cumulative distance of 842.9 kilometres that includes a competitive distance of 350.02km.
The first competition in the WRC series (Rallye Monte Carlo) was held from January 22 to 25, followed by the second leg (Rally Sweden) from February 12 to 15. Kenya is currently hosting the third leg in Naivasha from March 12 to 15.
The programme started on Monday with the official reconnaissance (recce) for Priority One and Two drivers. Tuesday was also set aside for reconnaissance.
The rally roared to life on Thursday with the morning shakedown at Nawisa, giving fans an early glimpse of the powerful rally machines, followed by two competitive stages. Unlike previous editions in which access to the shakedown area was largely restricted, this year’s session was open to the public, allowing both residents and visiting fans to experience the high-speed action first-hand.
On Thursday, crowds gathered early, eager to witness the drivers test their machines as engines roared through the section of the muddy terrain. For many residents, it was a rare opportunity to see the rally cars up close during the shakedown.
Belgian driver Thierry Neuville navigated by Martijn Wydaeghe in their Hyundai tackles Kedong' Stage in Naivasha during day-two of WRC Safari Rally on March 13, 2026.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation
Some locals described the experience as a first of its kind, noting that the shakedown has traditionally been a closed event.
Michael Murage, a vendor selling caps and flags near the Nawisa area, said the rally atmosphere translated into brisk business despite the intermittent rain.
“I made great sales of caps and umbrellas since part of the day was rainy. My only regret for the day is not having a well-balanced collection of flags. Our East African neighbours are in Naivasha, both from Tanzania and Uganda,” Murage said.
“My task now is to get hold of these flags and more flag-printed lesos for day two of the rally,” he added.
Meanwhile, excitement continued to build as spectators lined up along Mau Mau Road, in Naivasha adjacent to the Kenya Wildlife Training Institute, to witness the official ceremonial flag-off of the rally cars.
Hundreds of fans stood by the roadside, cheering as the colourful rally machines sped past. From the excited chants to the waving of flags and blowing vuvuzelas , the atmosphere reflected the deep passion Kenyans have for the Safari Rally. For many residents, seeing the drivers and cars up close reignited the spirit of the historic rally.
At the WRC Safari Rally Village located at Mzabibu, artists from across the country are expected to perform and meet their fans, and more locally planned events have been curated, leaving rally fans spoilt for choice.
Toyota Gazoo racing's Takamoto Katsuta co-driven by Irish navigator Aaron Johnston in their Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid at Kedong in Naivasha during day-two of WRC Safari Rally.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation
Local entertainment joints and event curators hope to cash in on the WRC Safari Rally weekend to take advantage of to do brisk business. Omong the events lined up is Kikuyu Festival 3.0 which seeks to popularise the competition among visitors and locals.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki presided over the ceremonial flag-off at the Kenya Wildlife Training Institute on Thursday morning.
In attendance were Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, MPs Irene Njoki (Bahati) and Ronald Karauri (Kasarani), Nakuru County Commissioner Loyford Kibara, among others.
Friday was marked by a noticeably low turnout of spectators across several stages despite the sunny weather that provided clear viewing conditions for fans and drivers alike.
At Kedong stage, however, a strong presence of Ugandan rally fans stood out. The fans travelled to Naivasha in buses and minibuses branded in Ugandan colours. The enthusiastic fans were joined by locals, who brought energy to the stage, waving flags and cheering as rally cars roared past, turning Kedong into a lively hub despite the overall low attendance.
