Gacheru eyes bigger, bolder Safari Rally in 2026 after record-breaking 2025 edition

World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally CEO Charles Gacheru has promised an even more electrifying edition in 2026, buoyed by the resounding success of this year's rally.

Speaking during the official debrief of the 2025 Safari Rally, Gacheru confirmed that groundwork for the 2026 event is already in motion—despite it being the final edition under Kenya’s current contract with WRC Promoter, the body that organises the global series on behalf of the FIA.

“Preparations for the 2026 WRC Safari Rally are already underway,” Gacheru affirmed. 

“Our teams are actively working on planning frameworks, execution timelines and delivering on key targets.”

During the ceremonial flag-off in Nairobi, President William Ruto revealed that talks are ongoing to extend Kenya’s agreement with WRC Promoter, raising hopes of keeping the iconic Safari Rally on the WRC calendar beyond next year.

First staged in 1953 to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, the Safari Rally became part of the WRC in 1973, enjoying decades of global acclaim before its pause in 2002.  It roared back in 2021 and has since reclaimed its legendary status.

Renowned for its unforgiving terrain, unpredictable weather and stunning Kenyan backdrops, the Safari Rally remains one of the most gruelling and cherished events on the WRC calendar, drawing elite drivers and thousands of motorsport fans from across the globe.

Beyond the thrills, the event continues to play a vital role in boosting tourism, driving economic activity and cementing Kenya’s motorsport legacy.

The 2025 edition shattered records, attracting over 400,000 spectators, the highest turnout since the Safari’s WRC return.

“The Rally Village worked very well. We estimate that we had over 400,000 people through the rally week, which is an incredible number. We are urging the public to be patient next year so that we avoid the crazy traffic that we had on the final day,” Gacheru said.

Motorsport enthusiasts flocked in from across East Africa (Uganda and Tanzania) and as far as Finland and Estonia, eager to support their favourite drivers on Kenya’s dusty, dramatic stages. 

Gacheru praised the digital and broadcast reach of the 2025 event.

“From the FIA reports, we can see that we had huge viewership for this rally, 400 per cent more impressions, 53 per cent more engagements. The data is telling us the public is responding to what we are doing," he added.

This year’s rally, held from March 20–23 across Nairobi and Nakuru counties, featured a refreshed format that delighted fans. 

The ceremonial start outside City Hall drew a massive crowd, while the prize-giving ceremony at Hell’s Gate National Park provided a stunning conclusion.

“Our decision to move the start and prize-giving venues paid off. The public responded enthusiastically,” he added.

The addition of a new stage—Mzabibu—introduced the first-ever Rally Village, a fan-centred innovation that was a runaway hit with spectators.

Welshman Elfyn Evans of Toyota Gazoo Racing clinched his maiden Safari Rally crown, clocking 4:20:03.8, ahead of Hyundai’s Ott Tanak (4:21:13.7) and reigning world champion Thierry Neuville (4:23:35.8).

Gacheru also took time to salute the teams behind the scenes, including Radio, Safety Caravan, TIV (Technical Intervention Team), Timing, Stage Commanders and Safety Officers, following a productive debrief with key stakeholders.