President William Ruto has officially flagged off the 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally, set to take place in Naivasha this weekend. 

The event will begin at Kasarani before shifting to the rugged terrains of Naivasha in Nakuru County. The rocky trails, water crossings, and muddy roads, popular among motorsport fans, are expected to attract record viewership. 

“Last year, the Kenyan Safari Rally was the clear number one in terms of global TV reach. More than 150 million people saw the fantastic moving images, plus many others online,” said WRC Managing Director Jona Siebel. 

The rally’s return has sparked excitement among locals, with Naivasha’s hospitality industry anticipating booming business throughout the weekend. 

“Since 1953, the WRC Safari Rally has been a key part of Kenya’s sporting heritage and a pillar of our sports tourism,” said President Ruto. 

“This is not just a motorsport event; it’s an inspiration for our entire economic ecosystem,” added Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya. 

Drivers and their navigators will face tough challenges at various stages, with the competition culminating in the thrilling Hell’s Gate power stage. 

Some Kenyan drivers competing in this year’s rally include Karan Patel, Carl Tundo, Jeremiah Wahome, Hamza Anwar, Samman Singh, and Aakif Virani.

Additionally, an all-female team of Pauline Sheghu and navigator Linet Ayuko will compete in a Subaru Impreza WXR STI. 

Despite the government spending Sh980 million to host the event, President Ruto noted that the costs have been reducing thanks to corporate sponsorships. 

“This rally cost the government of Kenya Sh2.1 billion in 2023. I’m happy that it came down to Sh1.3 billion in 2024, and further reduced to Sh980 million this year,” Ruto said. 

“I’m looking forward to the day this will cost zero shillings for the government, with the private sector fully taking it up,” he added. 

This year’s rally will also feature new FIA-designed cross-cars, produced locally to support Kenyan drivers. 

FIA Foundation will use the event to promote road safety, with a helmet-wearing campaign targeting boda boda riders. 

The launch event was also attended by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, WRC Safari Rally CEO Charles Gacheru, and FIA Vice President Rodrigo Rocha.