By Timothy Albrite
A major change has been confirmed for the 2026 Safari Rally Kenya, World Rally Championship (WRC) season. For the first time since the event returned to Kenya, the rally will not pass through Nairobi. The traditional ceremonial start and the Kasarani Super Special Stage have both been removed from the itinerary.
The move aims to streamline logistics and keep the action centered in the Rift Valley. In previous years, the rally started in the capital before teams faced long transits to the service park. For 2026, the entire event will be hosted in and around Naivasha.
New Look Schedule
The rally week is now one day shorter. The shakedown stage, which usually happened on Wednesday, moves to Thursday morning. This five-kilometer test will take place at a new location in Nawisa.
Competitive racing will begin on Thursday afternoon with stages at Camp Moran and Mzabibu. This confirms that the official flag-off will now take place in Naivasha, ending the long-standing tradition of the KICC or City Hall Way start in Nairobi.
2026 Route Breakdown
The 2026 Safari Rally remains the third round of the WRC season, scheduled for March 12–15. The route will cover 20 special stages totaling 350 competitive kilometers.
- Thursday, March 12: Morning shakedown at Nawisa followed by the first competitive stages in the afternoon.
- Friday, March 13: The longest day of the rally. Drivers will tackle 136 kilometers across eight stages, including double runs of Loldia, Geothermal, Kedong, and Camp Moran
- Saturday, March 14: Action moves to the savannah with six stages covering Soysambu, Elmenteita, and the famous Sleeping Warrior.
- Sunday, March 15: The finale features four stages. The rally ends with the Hell’s Gate Power Stage, which will determine the overall winners.
Logistics and Fan Info
The Kenya Wildlife Service Training Institute (KWSTI) in Naivasha remains the hub for the rally. It will host the service park and the rally headquarters. By removing the Nairobi leg, organizers expect to reduce traffic disruptions and lower the financial and logistical burden on teams.
Motorists and fans planning to attend the 2026 edition should head directly to Naivasha, as there will be no rally activities in the capital.