Kenyan rally driver Rajveer Thethy is gearing up for his second appearance at the Safari Rally with a clear objective securing a podium finish in the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) category.

Thethy finished fourth in the KNRC class during last year’s edition, a result that has strengthened his resolve heading into the 2026 campaign.

“My main goal in 2026 is to compete in the Safari Rally and secure a podium finish in class. Last year, I came very close and was one of the few competitors to complete every stage without a mechanical breakdown. That gave me a lot of confidence in both my pace and consistency,” he said.

“I’m coming back stronger, wiser and more determined. I learned a lot from my first Safari, and I’m ready to push my limits to fight for a top result.”

New partnership

Thethy will partner with Laban Cliff for the first time in this year’s rally, marking a new chapter in his KNRC journey.

“It will be our first rally sitting together, but we are working hard to build strong chemistry and communication. In rallying, trust between driver and navigator is everything, and we’re focused on being fully synchronised before the start,” he noted.

Subaru N12 returns

The 24-year-old will once again compete in a Subaru N12 built by Pro Motor Works — the same car he used in 2025.

“I will use the same car that I used last year. It’s a strong and reliable machine, and last year’s performance proved its durability, especially being one of the few cars to complete every stage without issues,” he said.

“We’ve done testing and shakedown sessions to fine-tune the setup and get me back into rhythm. My last competitive event was last year’s Safari and since then, I’ve been training consistently to make sure I’m race-ready.”

Rallying in the blood

Thethy’s passion for motorsport runs deep. As a second-generation driver, he credits much of his development to growing up around rallying under the guidance of his father, a former F2 champion.

“The advantage of being a second-generation driver is that I’ve grown up around rallying. I understand the sport deeply, and I’ve had guidance and mentorship from my dad from a very young age. That experience and knowledge are priceless,” he said.

“His knowledge and experience in the sport have definitely given me a strong foundation. He has taught me important lessons about race craft, discipline, preparation and how to stay mentally strong under pressure. For the Safari Rally especially, he will be acting as my mentor, guiding me through strategy, stage management and decision-making.”

Experience and ambition

With 12 years of motorsport experience, Thethy believes he is well prepared for the demanding Safari terrain.

“I’ve been involved in Kenyan motorsport for 12 years, starting at the age of 12. Over that time, I’ve competed in more than 100 races across different disciplines, earning over 80 podium finishes and more than six career championships,” he said.

Beyond the Safari Rally, Thethy is also keen to broaden his horizons.

“After Safari, I’m looking to challenge myself in new disciplines like rally raid and enduro. I want to develop as a complete driver and test myself in different environments.”

With renewed focus, a new navigator partnership and a proven machine, Thethy will be aiming to convert last year’s near-miss into a podium breakthrough on Kenya’s most iconic rally stage.