On February 24, 2026, the Kenyan government officially handed over the management of the WRC Safari Rally 2026 to the private sector through a new strategic partnership.
Under this new framework, the private sector will take the lead in coordinating and executing the event, which was previously managed by the government-led WRC Safari Rally Project Secretariat.
The state has already settled the promoter’s fee to the WRC rights holder to ensure a smooth transition, but will now focus on providing supportive services like security and infrastructure.
CEO Charles Gacheru and other seconded officers have been reassigned back to the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports as the private sector assumes the “central role” in organizing.
Sports CS Salim Mvurya described the move as a “major policy milestone” aimed at the full commercialization of sports assets and reducing the government’s annual financial burden.
KCB Bank Kenya has committed KSh 227 million to the 2026 event, with KSh 100 million allocated directly to rally organizers and the remainder for marketing and driver support.
CFAO Mobility Kenya has announced a KSh 33 million sponsorship deal earlier in the month.Major manufacturers including Toyota, Hyundai, and M-Sport Ford are confirmed for the 2026 rally, which is scheduled for March 12–15 in Naivasha.
By Anthony Solly
