President William Ruto has announced that the government will step away from promoting the iconic Safari Rally Kenya starting next year, signalling a major shift in how one of the country’s biggest international sporting events will be funded.
Speaking in Naivasha on Sunday, March 15, during the closing ceremony of this year’s competition, the head of state announced that the government will cease to fund the competition from next year and that the event will transition fully to the private sector promotion and funding.
“This is the last Safari Rally where we will be spending public money to promote. From next year, this event will be fully funded and supported by the private sector,” Ruto stated.
The government will then divert the funds usually used to finance and promote the rally to schools and help in promoting sports and other spheres.
A photo of a car covered in dust during the World Rally Championship Safari Rally on March 15, 2026
William Samoei Ruto
“The resources we have as a government will now be used to promote sports in our schools and other spheres,” he added.
The announcement comes after the Ministry of Sports announced that it had signed an agreement with the private sector to take leading roles in coordinating the just-concluded WRC, with
Prior to the 2026 WRC, the Ministry said the agreement was aimed at reducing the government’s financial burden in hosting global events.
The President’s announcement comes at a time when the future of Kenya’s place on the World Rally Championship calendar remains under discussion as the country’s current hosting agreement approaches its end.
Since returning to the WRC calendar in 2021 after a 19-year absence, the Safari Rally has re-established itself as one of the most iconic and punishing events in global motorsport.
Since its return, Kenya agreed with the International Federation of Automobile (FIA) to secure the Safari Rally Kenya on the World Rally Championship (WRC) until 2026.
The deal was initially signed for a period of five years before being extended by an additional year to cover the 2026 rally. However, reports indicate the government has renewed negotiations for another five-year extension.
The rally has remained a cornerstone of Kenya’s sports tourism and economic boost for traders, especially in Nakuru County.
President William Ruto received by Sports CS Salim Mvurya at Hell’s Gate in Naivasha for the Safari Rally finals on March 15, 2026
William Samoei Ruto
