Kenya is set to take center stage in the motorsport world as it prepares to host the 2025 World Safari Rally Championship in Naivasha, Nakuru County. This thrilling event, scheduled from March 20 to March 23, 2025, marks the third stop in the championship’s global series and the only African leg on the calendar. The Safari Rally, renowned for its challenging terrain and breathtaking scenery, has a rich history dating back to 1953 and remains one of the most iconic events in the World Rally Championship (WRC).
The 2025 World Safari Rally Championship kicked off with the Rallye Monte Carlo in Monaco from January 23 to 26, followed by Rally Sweden from February 13 to 16. After Kenya’s much-anticipated stop in Naivasha, the championship will return to Europe, with Spain hosting the next event from April 24 to 27, followed by Portugal from May 9 to 12, Italy from June 6 to 9, and Greece from September 5 to 8.
The Kenyan government, through Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, has pledged full support to ensure the success of the Naivasha event. “The whole government is involved in making this a success. We want full participation and to leave a lasting impact after the rally,” Mvurya stated in February.
In a bid to make the event more accessible, the local organizing committee, led by CEO Charles Gacheru, announced plans for extensive coverage and better fan engagement. “We are making the rally more accessible, including free-to-air broadcasts across East Africa,” Gacheru said.
The iconic Hell’s Gate National Park will once again host the prize-giving ceremony and the high-stakes Wolf Power Stage, which offers additional championship points. The 2025 edition will also serve as a round of the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) and the FIA African Rally Championship (ARC), providing a platform for Kenyan drivers to showcase their talent.
Motorsport enthusiasts can look forward to an elite lineup of drivers, including reigning world champion Thierry Neuville from Belgium, 2019 World Rally Champion Ott Tänak from Estonia, two-time WRC champion Kalle Rovanperä, and Britain’s Elfvin Evans. Notably absent from this year’s lineup is the legendary French driver Sébastien Ogier, an eight-time Safari Rally winner.
Beyond the thrill of high-speed competition, the Safari Rally brings significant economic benefits to Kenya, drawing thousands of tourists and injecting substantial revenue into the local economy. The event also provides global exposure for the country’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.
As anticipation builds, all eyes will be on Naivasha for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of speed, skill, and spectacle on African soil.
