Ruto Confirms Kenya Will Host WRC Safari Rally in 2027

Kenya will host a round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2027 after securing a place on the championship calendar, President William Ruto has announced.

In a statement shared on social media, Ruto welcomed Kenya’s inclusion in the 2027 calendar and said the Safari Rally remained closely linked to the country’s sporting heritage. The President said retaining the event in Kenya would preserve its historic place in motorsport while maintaining the country’s presence on the international sporting stage.

Since returning to the WRC calendar, the Safari Rally has become a major international event, attracting visitors, rally teams, media organisations and motorsport fans to Naivasha and surrounding areas. The event has also provided a boost to tourism, hospitality and local businesses during the rally period.

Ruto said the rally provides an international platform for promoting Kenya’s landscapes, wildlife and culture. He said the global exposure supports the country’s efforts to strengthen its position as a tourism and investment destination.

The President thanked the Ministry of Sports, the WRC Safari Rally Project, private-sector partners, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the WRC Promoter for their role in securing Kenya’s continued participation in the championship. The 2027 WRC season will feature 15 rounds across five continents.

The championship will begin with Rallye Monte-Carlo in Monaco in January, followed by Rally Sweden in February. Kenya will host the third round from 18 to 21 March 2027. The Safari Rally will therefore take place early in the season, giving competitors an early test on some of the championship’s most demanding terrain.

The Kenyan round is known for its rugged roads, changing weather conditions and varied landscapes. These features have helped establish the Safari Rally as one of the distinctive events on the WRC calendar.

After Kenya, the championship will continue with rounds in Croatia, Spain, Japan, Greece, Italy, Estonia, Finland, the United States, Scotland, Paraguay, Chile and Saudi Arabia. The schedule will take the championship across Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America.

For Kenya, the continued inclusion of the Safari Rally also provides economic benefits through tourism and related businesses. The event brings international visitors to the country and creates increased demand for accommodation, transport, hospitality and other services.

The 2027 confirmation also provides organisers, sponsors and businesses in Naivasha and surrounding areas with greater certainty as preparations for the next edition begin. The Safari Rally returned to the WRC calendar in 2021 after a long absence and has since become a regular fixture of the championship.