President William Ruto has confirmed that Kenya will host the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally in 2027.
In a statement issued on October 8, Ruto announced that the rally will return to Naivasha, where drivers will compete across the region’s roads and terrain.
He said the event supports the local hospitality and business sectors while showcasing Kenya internationally.
“I am delighted to confirm that Kenya will host the WRC Safari Rally in 2027. Once again, the world’s finest drivers will take on our plains, our valleys and the legendary roads of Naivasha,” read part of the statement.
Ruto thanked the Ministry of Sports, the WRC Safari Rally Project, private-sector partners, and the WRC Promoter for supporting the event.
Safari Rally Calendar
The 2027 FIA World Rally Championship calendar will feature 15 rounds across five continents.
The season will begin with Rallye Monte-Carlo in Monaco from January 21 to 24, followed by Rally Sweden in Sweden from February 18 to 21.
Safari Rally Kenya will take place from March 18 to 21, making it the third round of the championship.
Croatia Rally will follow from April 8 to 11, while Rally Islas Canarias in Spain will be held from May 6 to 9.
Forum8 Rally Japan will run from June 3 to 6, followed by EKO Acropolis Rally Greece from June 24 to 27.
Rally d’Italia in Italy is scheduled for July 8 to 11, with Delfi Rally Estonia taking place from July 22 to 25. Secto Rally Finland will follow from July 29 to August 1.
Rally US in the United States is scheduled for August 26 to 29, followed by Rally Scotland in the United Kingdom from September 30 to October 3.
The championship will then move to Paraguay for the Ueno Rally del Paraguay from October 21 to 24, followed by Rally Chile Biobío from November 4 to 7.
The season will conclude with Rally Saudi Arabia from November 25 to 28.
2025 Winners
Last year, Elfyn Evans and co-driver Scott Martin won the 2025 Safari Rally Kenya for Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT, completing the event in 4:20:03.8.
Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja finished second in a Hyundai i20 N Rally1, 1:09.9 behind the winners, while their Hyundai teammates Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe took third, 3:32.0 off the pace.
Sami Pajari and Marko Salminen finished fourth, followed by Takamoto Katsuta and Aaron Johnston in fifth, both driving Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 cars.
In the support categories, Gus Greensmith and Jonas Andersson won the WRC2 class in a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2. Kenyan driver Nikhil Sachania, alongside Deep Patel, claimed the WRC3 title in a Ford Fiesta Rally3.
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