Kenya’s iconic Safari Rally will remain on the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar in 2027, with the country set to host the third round of the global series from March 18 to 21, securing Africa’s place in the championship.

The confirmation, announced as the FIA WRC unveiled the 2027 calendar, marks a significant milestone for Kenya’s motorsport ambitions and guarantees the continuation of one of the most prestigious events in international rallying.

The Safari Rally will be part of a championship spanning five continents, with Kenya retaining its position as the African host, reinforcing the country’s standing as a key destination on the global motorsport stage.

The announcement comes after Kenya applied for an extension of its hosting agreement, following the expiry of the initial five-year deal signed in 2021. The agreement, which brought the WRC back to the country after a 19-year absence, ran through 2026.

Kenya had not hosted a round of the World Rally Championship since 2002 before the government and rally organisers successfully secured the event’s return in 2021.

President William Ruto welcomed the latest development, taking to social media to celebrate the confirmation and reaffirm the country’s commitment to the historic rally.

“Fellow citizens, the Safari Rally stays home,” Ruto said.

“I am delighted to confirm that Kenya will host the WRC Safari Rally in 2027. Once again, the world’s finest drivers will take on our plains, our valleys and the legendary roads of Naivasha.”

The President highlighted the rally’s historical significance and its contribution to the country’s economy, noting that the event provides an opportunity to showcase Kenya’s landscapes and tourism attractions to a global audience.

“The Safari was born on Kenyan soil. It belongs on Kenyan soil. Every edition fills our hotels, energises our businesses and carries the beauty of our country to screens across the world,” he added.

Ruto also acknowledged the role played by the Ministry of Sports, the WRC Safari Rally Project, private-sector partners, the FIA and the WRC Promoter in securing the extension.

“I thank the Ministry of Sports, the WRC Safari Rally Project, our private-sector partners, the FIA and the WRC Promoter for making this possible. Tutaonana Naivasha!” he said.

The confirmation follows months of work by the WRC Safari Rally Project, the Government and the Motorsport Kenya Federation (MK-F) to secure the event’s future.

WRC Safari Rally Project Chief Executive Officer Carl Tundo, a five-time Safari Rally winner and Vice President of MK-F, played a key role in the efforts. He joined the project shortly before the 2026 edition, at a time when the rally was facing significant financial and management challenges.

Tundo described Kenya’s inclusion in the 2027 calendar as a major achievement, acknowledging the collective effort required to secure the event.

“We are extremely excited to have the Safari Rally back on the 2027 WRC calendar. The Safari is one of the most iconic rallies in the world, and having Kenya confirmed once again is a tremendous achievement for the country,” he said.

He also recognised the support of the government, particularly President Ruto, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya and Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, in helping safeguard the rally’s future.

“There has been a huge amount of work behind the scenes. The team has worked extremely hard, and we are grateful for the support we have received from Government and all the stakeholders involved,” Tundo added.

The latest confirmation builds on the success of the 2026 Safari Rally, which took place in Naivasha, Nakuru County, from March 12 to 15.

Japan’s Takamoto Katsuta, driving for Toyota Gazoo Racing, emerged victorious in the 2026 edition, adding another chapter to the rally’s rich history.

Beyond the competition, the Safari Rally has become an important platform for promoting tourism, supporting local businesses and showcasing Kenya’s capacity to host major international sporting events.

Its return to the 2027 calendar will provide continuity for the local motorsport industry while giving organisers more time to strengthen the event’s financial and operational structures.

With Kenya retaining Africa’s slot in a championship that spans five continents, the 2027 edition will once again place Naivasha at the centre of the global rallying spotlight. The 2027 championship will also see the return of the United States and the United Kingdom, which will host the 11th and 12th rounds respectively.