Kenya will host the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally in 2027 after the event was included in the FIA-approved calendar for the new season.
The rally is scheduled for March 18 to 21, 2027, and will serve as the third round of the 15-event championship. Rally Sweden will precede the Kenyan round, while Croatia Rally is scheduled to follow it in April.
President William Ruto confirmed Kenya’s return to the calendar on Thursday, saying the country would once again welcome the world’s leading rally drivers to Naivasha.
Ruto thanked the Ministry of Sports, the WRC Safari Rally Project, private-sector partners, the FIA and WRC Promoter for their role in securing the event.
The confirmation extends Kenya’s run as the African host of a WRC round after the Safari Rally returned to the international championship in 2021 following a 19-year absence. Its return restored one of the world’s historic rally events to the top level of international competition.
The Kenyan round has since developed a distinct identity within the championship because of its demanding gravel surfaces, rough sections and rapidly changing conditions. These characteristics have made the Safari different from many other events on the WRC calendar.
Securing the 2027 edition also follows efforts by the Kenyan government and motorsport authorities to establish a longer-term arrangement for the rally.
Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi said earlier this week that Kenya had sought a five-year extension while working to attract increased private-sector participation.
The government has previously said it intends to reduce its direct financial role in the Safari Rally and encourage businesses to provide greater support. Plans have included bringing sponsors and other private-sector stakeholders together through a dedicated structure to support the event.
However, the exact financial arrangements for the 2027 rally have not been publicly outlined. The FIA has said Kenya’s continued participation followed cooperation between the governing body, WRC Promoter and Kenya’s motorsport authorities.
The Safari Rally also provides a platform for tourism and local businesses. Ruto said the event brings visitors to Kenya, supports hotels and businesses and provides international exposure for the country’s landscapes.
The 2027 WRC season will also introduce new technical regulations under the WRC27 framework. The championship will expand to 15 rounds, with the United States and United Kingdom returning to the calendar and Italy hosting a new round based around Rome.
With Kenya’s position confirmed, preparations will now focus on the practical organisation of the Safari Rally, including the competition route, logistics, partnerships and other arrangements ahead of the March 2027 event.
