President Ruto Celebrates with Winners of the WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on March 15, 2026
President William Ruto has announced a significant partnership that looks forward to initiate and develop motorsport training in the country.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 73rd World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally at Hell’s Gate National Park in Naivasha on Sunday March 15, 2026, President Ruto indicated that the partnership and the introduction of a training academy is a major step in ensuring that the country is self-sufficient in terms of nurturing local talent that would always fly its flag high.
“Today I am pleased to announce that Cooperation for Africa Oversees Mobility Kenya has partnered with the Kenya Motorsport Federation (KMF) to produce the first affordable cross-car and also donated two Toyota Starlets to support the rally academy,” he announced.
Speaking on the nature of the event that started on March 12, 2026, President Ruto congratulated all the participants in the competition noting that it takes resilience and hard work to endure the complicated terrain of the gravel rally trails.
“I must take this opportunity to congratulate every team and crew that took part in this year’s rally. Simply arriving here is in many ways a victory of its own. The Safari Rally does not merely test machines; it tests resolve, judgment and the limit of human endurance. To compete on this terrain is to confront one of the greatest challenges in motorsport,” The Head of State said.
The Commander in Chief further indicated that Kenya has been remarkable in hosting major events such as athletics and rugby and this demonstrates a positive impact the country has in various sectors in the world.
“These events demonstrate that Kenya is more than capable of hosting world-class competitions and our country remains a welcoming destination for the world”, expressed the President.
The president further noted that the Safari Rally, among other events that the country has hosted, boost the country’s economy.
“Events such as the Safari Rally have a profound impact on our economy. They support business, create employment opportunities, stimulate tourism and generate valuable foreign exchange for our country,” he added.
The president’s remarks were also echoed by Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya who noted that this year’s rally remains remarkable due to the new window of nurturing raw talents in the country.
“This year we have more numbers and therefore this WRC Safari Rally has grown to be more spectacular. We will continue to implement your direction to make sure that we also establish talent training for Kenyans in this motorsport. We have worked with CFAO and they have provided two cars and the curriculum is ready. From last year we have made progress to ensure that we make it a local talent” he said.
On her part, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said that this rally has contributed greatly to the tourism industry and this is a good gesture for Kenya in the East African Community and the world.
“This past weekend we have had a unique stage to showcase what Kenya has to offer. This has been a very good season for tourism, we understand that the hotels in Nakuru County and the environs are 100% occupied,” said Miano.
The academy is a major step in ensuring that young and raw talents in the country receive first-class training in motorsport, a major step that would situate them in a better space in world competitions.
Kenya has been hosting the World Rally Championship Safari Rally since the 20th Century and this year marks the fifth time since its return after a long hiatus, which attracts sportspeople, enthusiasts and investors from across the globe.
