President William Ruto has announced that the government will stop funding the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally starting in 2027, with the private sector set to take over the responsibility of financing and managing the global motorsport event.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of the Safari Rally Kenya at Hell’s Gate National Park, the President said the shift would allow the government to redirect funds to grassroots sports development.
“This is the last year the government will fund the WRC Safari Rally. From next year, the event will be fully funded by the private sector,” Ruto said.
He explained that the new arrangement will enable the government to channel more resources into sports development in schools and sports infrastructure across the country.
Private Sector to Take Lead
The President commended several corporate sponsors that have supported the rally over the years, including Kenya Commercial Bank, SportPesa, Safaricom, and Kenya Airways.
Ruto said their continued support will be key in ensuring the rally remains one of the most iconic events on the global motorsport calendar.
Katsuta Wins 2026 Safari Rally
The 2026 edition of the Safari Rally was won by Takamoto Katsuta and co-driver Aaron Johnston of Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT.
Second place went to Adrien Fourmaux and Alexandre Coria of Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT, while Sami Pajari and Marko Salminen of Toyota Gazoo Racing finished third.
Kenya Hosting Global Sporting Events
Ruto highlighted Kenya’s growing reputation as a host of major international sporting events, citing tournaments such as the African Nations Championship, the Kenya Sevens, the Magical Kenya Open, and the Safari Rally.
“Our country remains a welcoming destination for the world,” he said, noting that such events boost tourism, create jobs, support businesses and generate foreign exchange.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano revealed that hotels in Nakuru County and surrounding areas recorded 100 percent occupancy during the rally weekend, with visitors arriving from across the East African Community.
Infrastructure Improvements
The President also announced that traffic congestion along the Nairobi–Nakuru highway will soon be a thing of the past.
He said the dualling of the Rironi–Mau Summit road will be completed by next year, allowing smoother travel between Nairobi and Naivasha during major events like the Safari Rally.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya praised the growing involvement of private companies in the rally, noting that their support has made the event more spectacular and globally competitive.
Meanwhile, the government also highlighted partnerships with the Kenya Motor Sport Federation and African Overseas Mobility, which have helped produce an affordable cross car and donated two Toyota Starlets to support Kenya’s Rally Academy.
The move signals a new era for the Safari Rally, where private investors will play a bigger role in sustaining one of Africa’s most famous motorsport events.
