MotorsportSafari Rally Kenya: the state steps back, sponsors step in
Kenya keeps its World Rally Championship round in 2027, and the government says the private sector will fund it.
The Safari Rally Kenya is on the 2027 World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar, published on 8 October 2026. It will run from 18 to 21 March 2027 around Naivasha, as the third of 15 rounds.
A change in who pays
In March 2026, President William Ruto said the government would no longer use public funds to promote the rally from 2027, and that the event would be funded, managed and promoted by the private sector.
Why it matters
The Safari is Africa's round of a global motorsport championship, with international TV coverage and a long history. When public money steps back, the event needs commercial partners to fill the gap.
What it means for brands
New rights may come up for sale: naming, stages, hospitality, mobility and fuel, and fan zones in Naivasha. Who will run the rally and how its rights will be sold has not yet been announced, so this is one to watch.
Source: The Standard (Kenya), October 2026. Figures as reported by the source.
Want the full picture for your market?
Request a briefing and we'll come back with the opportunities that fit your goals.