President William Ruto has announced that the government plans to transition the iconic Safari Rally Kenya to full private sector funding starting next year.
Speaking at Hell’s Gate in Naivasha on Sunday, March 15, 2026, during the closing ceremony of the WRC Safari Rally 2026, the Head of State stated that the government will cease funding the event from 2027.
He noted that the move will ease pressure on public finances, with the private sector now handed the responsibility for hosting, managing, promoting and financing the internationally recognized motorsport competition.
“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.
Ruto added that the decision will also enable the government to channel the funds to promote sports in schools and develop infrastructure in academies.
The President, accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Salim Mvurya (Sports) and Rebecca Miano (Tourism), and Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, among others, commended the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), Kenya Airways, SportPesa and Safaricom for their support.
This year’s edition of the WRC Safari Rally was won by Japan’s Takamoto Katsuta, alongside co-driver Aaron Johnston of Toyota Gazoo Racing, after surviving the punishing terrain and unpredictable weather. Katsuta, in his 94th WRC start, became his country’s first WRC winner since Kenjiro Shinozuka at the Ivory Coast Rally in 1992.
The second position was taken by Adrien Fourmaux and Alexandre Coria of Hyundai Shell Mobis, while third place went to Sami Pajari and Marko Salminen of Toyota Gazoo Racing.
