By Timothy Albrite
Reigning Constructor’s champions Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT headline the 46-strong entry list released for the WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2026, set to take place in Naivasha from March 12–15 as the third round of the 2026 World Rally Championship.
Kenya’s motorsport stars are making a statement on home soil. Carl Tundo, a five-time Safari Rally champion during the WRC hiatus, remains the most recognized local entrant. Other top Kenyan names include two-time Africa Rally Champion Karan Patel, current junior ARC champion Samman Singh Vohra, and last year’s WRC3 winner Nikhil Sachania.
Women drivers are also stepping up. Tinashe Gatimu, returning with her mother Caroline in a Ford Fiesta Rally4, is one of the leading female entries scoring toward ARC3. Pauline Shegu and Linet Ayuko will compete in a Subaru, while Nairobi-based driver Lisa Cristoferssen rounds out the strong ladies’ contingent.
Beyond Kenyan drivers, the Safari Rally 2026 entry list features strong representation from across East Africa. Competitors from Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda will bring Toyota, Ford, and Mitsubishi cars to challenge local talent. These entries reflect the growing rally culture in the region and promise added excitement for fans cheering for both Kenyan and regional heroes.
Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT has fielded a full five-car lineup led by World Drivers’ Champion Sébastien Ogier and last year’s Safari winner Elfyn Evans. Championship leader Oliver Solberg, two-time Safari podium finisher Takamoto Katsuta, and rising Finnish talent Sami Pajari complete the team. Toyota has dominated every edition of the Safari Rally since its WRC return in 2021.
South Korea’s Hyundai Racing WRT brings its strongest effort yet, chasing an elusive first Safari Rally victory. The team fields Thierry Neuville, the 2024 world champion, alongside Frenchman Adrien Fourmaux and Finnish ace Esapekka Lappi.
Meanwhile, M-Sport Puma WRT has entered two cars driven by Irishmen Joshua McErlean and Jon Armstrong, rounding out the Rally1 WRC field to 10 cars.
With Kenya’s top drivers, regional stars, and world champions on the entry list, the 2026 Safari Rally promises thrilling battles across the Rift Valley stages. Fans can catch action at public-friendly locations like the Nawisa shakedown near Naivasha Prisons.
For local fans, it’s a unique chance to cheer for their heroes while witnessing world-class WRC machines in action all on home soil. Whether it’s Toyota’s champions, Hyundai’s title chasers, or Kenya’s own rising stars, the 2026 Safari Rally is shaping up to be a showcase of skill, speed, and regional pride.
