Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has 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.
The 2025 edition of the World Rally Championship round delivered staggering numbers, with an estimated crowd of more than 400,000 spectators thronging the rally routes and fan zones throughout the event week.
Globally, the rally also enjoyed massive exposure, reaching an estimated 120 million viewers across international broadcast platforms.
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.”
In a bid to strengthen Kenya’s rallying future, Kindiki revealed that the Ministry of Sports is already rolling out a motorsport curriculum aimed at identifying and nurturing young talent.
“We are also looking forward to nurturing younger drivers and providing a pipeline for rally drivers into the future. I am told the curriculum is almost ready, and the vehicles have been provided. By the time we return here in 2027, we will have progress to report in nurturing young drivers early.”
Kindiki also highlighted the unique challenge and global allure that continues to make the Safari Rally one of the crown jewels of the WRC calendar.
“This is the greatest rally in the world. It is a rally like no other. It is challenging. There is no other place on earth where you can get a combination of tough terrain, wild animals, rain and hospitable people all put together.”
The Deputy President further assured stakeholders of the government’s unwavering support in ensuring the rally remains firmly anchored on the global motorsport stage. “I want to assure all stakeholders of continued government support. The government has been paying the promoter fee, and we will continue with that,” he said.
“But we also urge the private sector to have more say in the organisation of this rally.”
Kindiki also reassured fans and teams of robust security arrangements to guarantee a safe and smooth rally weekend. “We have enough security officers and support personnel to have a successful rally. We wish all the drivers the best.”
Susan Kihika, the Governor of Nakuru County, welcomed rally enthusiasts to the region, promising an electrifying weekend of high-octane action.
“I welcome you all to Nakuru County, the drivers, FIA officials and everyone else. We have been looking forward to this event. It is one of the major events every year, and it keeps growing bigger,” she said. “Enjoy the rally, enjoy the scenery and just keep safe throughout the rally,” she added.
Meanwhile, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said the government is keen on strengthening collaboration with the private sector to make future editions of the rally even more successful.
“Going forward, we will have a very good framework whereby the private sector and government work together. The government will focus on regulation as the private sector continues to commercialise sports,” Mvurya said. “The wait is finally over, the rally is here with us, so enjoy yourselves.”
