After days of drama and punishing terrain in Naivasha, Takamoto Katsuta and co-driver Aaron Johnston finally conquered the 2026 Safari Rally Kenya, securing their maiden victory in the World Rally Championship.

Driving for Toyota Gazoo Racing, the duo mastered the unforgiving stages around Naivasha to seal a historic win that also ended a long wait for Japan in the WRC. Katsuta became the first Japanese driver to claim a WRC victory since Kenjiro Shinozuka triumphed at the 1992 Ivory Coast Rally.

The victory came after a dramatic rally that had earlier seen several top contenders fall out of contention due to mechanical problems and the demanding conditions that define the Safari Rally.

Kenya’s William Ruto congratulated the winners and thanked fans who turned out in large numbers despite heavy traffic around the rally stages.

“I want to promise Kenyans who endured all traffic jams to come here to support the Safari Rally event that this is the last year you are experiencing such challenges,” Ruto said. “Next year we will have completed the dualling of the Nairobi–Nakuru road and there won’t be long jams.”

The President also announced a significant shift in how the iconic rally will be funded.

“I want to promise Kenyans that this is the last Safari Rally where public funds are used. From next year, the Safari Rally will be fully supported and promoted by the private sector,” he stated.

While the international stars battled for the podium, Kenyan drivers endured a tough outing on home soil. Two-time African rally champion Karan Patel, navigated by Tauseef Khan, finished seventh in the WRC2 category in their Škoda Fabia with a total time of 4:26:54.7.

Compatriots Aakif Virani and Zahir Shah placed eighth in WRC2, leaving the Kenyan crews 17th and 18th overall in the final rally standings.

In the WRC2 class, Robert Virves and Jakko Viilo delivered a strong and consistent performance to secure victory, marking Virves’ second win in the category.