Safari Rally Kenya Confirmed on 2027 WRC Calendar for 18–21 March
Kenya has retained its World Rally Championship spot in the FIA's confirmed 2027 schedule, with the Safari Rally set for 18–21 March and backed by private-sector funding.
CN Quick Facts
- Kenya will host the WRC Safari Rally again in 2027
- The FIA confirmed the event on its expanded 15-round calendar
- Dates: 18–21 March, 2027
- From 2027, the rally will be funded, managed and promoted by the private sector
- How long Kenya’s new hosting rights last has not been confirmed
What's in this Article
Is the Safari Rally Staying on the WRC Calendar in 2027?
Kenya will host the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally in 2027. The FIA World Motor Sport Council included the event in an expanded 15-round calendar, ending uncertainty over whether the rally would stay on the schedule beyond 2026.
President William Ruto confirmed the news on Thursday, 8th October, saying he was delighted that Kenya will host the WRC Safari Rally in 2027.
Safari Rally Kenya is scheduled for 18–21 March, 2027. It follows Rallye Monte-Carlo (January 21–24) and Rally Sweden (February 18–21) in the opening months of the season.
Why Does this Matter for Kenya?
Safari Rally Kenya is the only African round on the WRC calendar, and its retention secures Kenya’s place among the sport’s premier rally destinations for another season. For Kenyan motorsport, the event is the biggest stage for local crews, teams and organisers.
For motorists and fans, the event also draws visitors to Naivasha and the surrounding region each year, and brings the sport’s top teams to Kenyan roads.
What Do We Know So Far About the 2027 Rally?
- Dates: 18–21 March, 2027
- Event: WRC Safari Rally Kenya
- Confirmed by: FIA World Motor Sport Council; announced by President William Ruto on 8th October, 2026
- 2027 calendar: 15 rounds, the largest WRC season since the 15-round schedule of 2008
- New and returning hosts: The United States and United Kingdom return to the calendar, and Italy is added
- Funding change: From 2027, the Safari Rally will be fully funded, managed and promoted by the private sector, according to President Ruto
- Government funds: Resources previously used to promote the rally will instead be directed to school sports and other sporting activities
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the 2027 calendar reflects strong momentum behind the series, pointing to the new events in the UK and Italy and the return of the United States.
How Did Kenya Return to the WRC?
Kenya returned to the WRC in 2021 after an absence of nearly two decades, and secured its place on the calendar through 2026 under an agreement with the FIA.
The 2026 edition ran from March 12 to 15, with Naivasha in Nakuru County as the rally base. The event is known for rocky, rutted stages and unpredictable weather.
The Kenyan government had sought a five-year extension that would have kept the rally on the calendar through 2031. The FIA announcement did not specify how long the newly granted hosting rights will last.
What Happens Next for the Safari Rally?
With the date confirmed, the focus shifts to how the rally is organised under the new funding model. Reports at the time of writing did not detail who the private-sector operators will be or how the event will be structured.
The length of Kenya’s hosting rights also remains unconfirmed. CarNews KE will report further details once they are officially announced.
Join the Conversation
💬 Will Safari Rally Kenya thrive under private-sector funding? Share your views in the comments or join the conversation on the CarTalk KE Forum and follow CarNews KE for the latest updates on the 2027 event.
No Comment! Be the first one.