The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has banned the use of drones in designated areas within Naivasha and surrounding locations during the WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2026 as part of spectator safety measures announced ahead of the event.
In a spectator safety advisory issued for the rally, the ministry said the use of drones will not be permitted in specified areas and urged the public to follow established safety guidelines during the competition.
The advisory outlines several measures for spectators attending the rally stages.
According to the ministry, attendees should follow instructions from marshals and security officers and watch the rally only from designated spectator zones. Spectators are also encouraged to arrive early because roads close before stages begin.
The notice further advises members of the public to stand well away from the rally road and to park vehicles only in approved areas.
It also encourages spectators to carry water, sun protection and comfortable footwear, dispose of waste responsibly to protect the environment, and respect local communities and property in the areas hosting the rally.
At the same time, the ministry warned against several activities during the event.
Spectators are instructed not to stand on the rally road or cross it during a live stage, and not to enter restricted or unsafe areas.
Blocking access routes for emergency vehicles is also prohibited.
The advisory also states that spectators should not use unauthorised drones or flash photography near rally cars.
In addition, the ministry warned against lighting fires, damaging the environment, or engaging in disorderly behaviour.
Authorities urged the public to familiarise themselves with the spectator safety guidelines and to respect the rules in order to help keep the event safe.
On March 12, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki predicted that this year’s edition of the Safari Rally Kenya is poised to shatter previous attendance and global viewership records, building on what was already a hugely successful 2025 spectacle.
Speaking during the ceremonial flag-off at the Wildlife Research and Training Institute, Kindiki admitted he was impressed by the spectacle as he made his first official appearance at the iconic motorsport event.
“This is my first appearance in this sport, and I am happy with all that I am seeing. I regret all the many instances I have been missing in action,” he said.
With the rally already enjoying record-breaking numbers last year, the Deputy President is optimistic that the 2026 edition will attract even bigger crowds and a wider global audience.
“Last year, we had 400,000 in-person attendees. This year, we are targeting 600,000. We also had over 10,000 visitors from the region last year, and we could have even more this year,” Kindiki said. “I am also told that between now and Sunday, over 80 million people will watch the rally.”
Kindiki lauded the Ministry of Sports, together with other key stakeholders, for successfully delivering yet another edition of one of the toughest rallies on the planet.
“I commend the Ministry of Sports, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile and Motorsport Kenya for organising this 2026 Safari Rally. We are looking forward to an exciting rally as has always been.”
