Naivasha, Kenya – Kenya’s leading female rally driver Pauline Sheghu has secured a KSh1 million sponsorship boost as she gears up for the 2026 Safari Rally Kenya, a key leg of the World Rally Championship (WRC).
The rally, scheduled for March 12–15 in Naivasha, remains the only African round of the WRC calendar and is widely regarded as one of the toughest events in global motorsport.
Strengthening Preparations
Sheghu will compete alongside her co-driver Linet Ayuko, tackling the grueling gravel stages against some of the world’s top rally crews. The financial backing comes at a crucial stage, enabling her team to enhance technical readiness and logistics ahead of the demanding four-day event.
“This sponsorship is a game-changer. It gives me the confidence to focus fully on performance, knowing that my team and I have the backing to compete strongly,” Sheghu said.
Trailblazer in Motorsport
A former journalist turned rally driver and green energy advocate, Sheghu has steadily built her profile in Kenyan motorsport. In a sport traditionally dominated by men, she has emerged as one of the country’s standout female competitors.
Her consistency and composure under pressure have earned her podium finishes in the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Safari Rally as well as the Kenya National Rally Championship, cementing her reputation as a serious contender.
Eyes on 2026 Campaign
The 2026 Safari Rally is expected to draw top international drivers alongside Kenya’s finest, with the rugged Rift Valley terrain providing a stern test of endurance, precision, and strategy.
For Sheghu and Ayuko, the focus now shifts to translating preparation into performance as they aim to deliver another strong showing on one of rallying’s most iconic stages.
