Safari Rally Kenya Confirmed for 2027 WRC Calendar
Kenya will remain on the World Rally Championship calendar in 2027 after the FIA confirmed Safari Rally Kenya as part of its 15-round season.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 8, President William Ruto announced that Kenya will host the championship event, ending uncertainty over the rally’s place on the calendar beyond 2026.
The 2027 Safari Rally Kenya is scheduled for March 18 to 21 and will form the fifth round of the championship.
Ruto Confirms the News
“The Safari Rally stays home. I am delighted to confirm that Kenya will host the WRC Safari Rally in 2027,” he wrote.
The President added, “Once again, the world’s finest drivers will take on our plains, our valleys and the legendary roads of Naivasha.”
Ruto said the Safari Rally’s return to the 2027 calendar reflects its long history and significance to Kenya.
He thanked the Ministry of Sports, the WRC Safari Rally Project, private-sector partners, the FIA and the WRC Promoter for securing the event.
A Historic Rally
The Safari Rally is one of the most iconic events in motorsport, known for its gruelling terrain and unpredictable weather. First held in 1953, it became part of the inaugural World Rally Championship season in 1973 and has been a fixture on the African motorsport calendar for decades.
Kenya’s return to the WRC calendar in 2021 after a 19-year absence was celebrated as a major achievement, and the event has since attracted thousands of fans to Naivasha and its surrounding areas.
What This Means for Kenya
The confirmation secures Kenya’s place on the global motorsport stage for another year, bringing with it significant economic benefits, including tourism revenue and international exposure. The event is expected to draw top drivers, teams and fans from around the world to Naivasha.