The Government of Kenya has announced a partnership with the private sector for the 6th Edition of the WRC Safari Rally 2026, marking a significant shift in how the iconic event will be managed and funded going forward.
Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, confirmed the development in a press release dated February 24, 2026.
He described it as a monumental realization of the strategic vision of President Ruto towards the full commercialization of sports and sporting assets, as well as enhanced private-sector participation in the growth and development of Kenya’s sports ecosystem.
Under the new framework, the private sector will take the lead in coordinating and executing the rally, with a restructured administrative model put in place to support the transition.
The Government has already settled the promoter’s fee for the event, with Mvurya assuring all stakeholders that this guarantees a smooth transition and uninterrupted preparations.
The move is also expected to significantly ease the financial burden the Government has historically carried in hosting the annual WRC event.
According to the CS, the partnership will free up substantial resources to be redirected toward the development and strengthening of other sporting disciplines across the country.
“The move will free up substantial resources to be directed toward the development and strengthening of other sporting disciplines across the country,” read the statement.
As part of the restructuring, the CEO and officers currently serving in the WRC Safari Rally Project Secretariat will be reassigned back to the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports to serve out the remainder of their contractual terms.
On the state of readiness, Mvurya was unequivocal, saying preparations have been finalized and that our country is fully ready to host yet another thrilling global motorsport spectacle.
He closed with an open invitation to Kenyans and motorsport fans worldwide to come to Naivasha for what he promised would be a bigger, better, and more electrifying rally event that continues to redefine Kenya’s sporting excellence and global stature.
