The engines of the world’s most powerful rally machines on Thursday echoed across the sweeping plains and rugged tracks of the Great Rift Valley as the 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally Kenya roared to life in Naivasha, Nakuru County.

The event started with shakedown amid tight security as 1,100 police officers were deployed to secure the globally celebrated extravaganza.

As the international spotlight turns once again to Kenya, government officials and rally organisers have confirmed that the country is fully prepared to host one of the most iconic and demanding rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship.

Speaking on the eve of the rally, Principal Secretary for Sports, Elijah Mwangi, said every aspect of the event—from safety and logistics to infrastructure and crowd management—has been carefully reviewed and approved. According to Mwangi, Kenya’s preparations have successfully met all mandatory FIA World Rally Championship safety requirements, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a reliable host of elite international motorsport.

Now marking its sixth year since returning to the WRC calendar in 2021, Safari Rally is staged exclusively in Naivasha, about 91 kilometres northwest of Nairobi. Over four days of competition, the world’s top rally drivers will battle across 20 competitive stages carved through the dramatic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley.

To ensure safety throughout the event, organisers have deployed an extensive operational network that includes certified medical response units stationed at every stage, over 1,100 police officers, and 400 trained marshals positioned across rally routes and spectator points. Clearly marked spectator zones, restricted areas, and comprehensive emergency evacuation procedures have also been established.

The National Police Service, working closely with the Safari Rally Secretariat, the County Government of Nakuru, and other security stakeholders, will oversee security operations across the entire rally footprint.

“Kenya is ready,” said Mwangi. “We have confirmed readiness with all relevant bodies, our security team is fully deployed, and we are calling on every Kenyan and every visitor to come to Naivasha, but to do so responsibly. Follow all instructions from our teams on the ground. This is our rally, and together we will get it right.”

The assurance came after Mwangi chaired the final pre-event co-ordination meeting on Wednesday, bringing together rally organisers, security agencies, county authorities, and event partners to confirm operational readiness ahead of the ceremonial start.

At the centre of the event’s organisation is former Africa Rally champion Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo, the five-time Safari Rally winner and current Head of the Safari Rally Kenya Secretariat. Tundo said the Secretariat has worked closely with government agencies, sponsors, landowners, and local communities to ensure the rally stages are fully prepared and safe for both competitors and fans.

“The stages are set, the teams are ready, and Kenya’s rally community is united behind delivering another Safari Rally that makes this country proud,” Tundo noted. “The level of commitment I have seen from everyone involved this year gives me complete confidence that we will deliver something exceptional.”

Tundo also expressed gratitude to betting company SportPesa, one of the rally’s principal commercial partners, for its support in ensuring the event proceeds successfully.

SportPesa Chief Executive Officer Ronald Karauri reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the rally, describing it as a powerful showcase of Kenya’s sporting ambition and organisational capability.

“SportPesa is proud to stand behind the Safari Rally Kenya,” Karauri said. “This event reflects the passion of Kenyan sport, the ability of this country to host world-class competitions, and the power of sport to unite communities and inspire a nation.”

Widely regarded as one of the most spectacular and challenging rounds of the WRC, the Safari Rally combines punishing terrain with breathtaking scenery across the Rift Valley. The 2026 edition is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of spectators on the ground, while a global television audience running into tens of millions will follow the action.

As the rally runs from March 12 to March 15, organisers are urging fans to follow official safety guidelines, respect marshal and police instructions, and remain within designated spectator zones.

With preparations complete and anticipation building, Kenya once again stands ready to deliver a rally spectacle that blends world-class motorsport, dramatic landscapes, and the enduring legacy of the legendary Safari Rally.