Naivasha, Nakuru County, is currently experiencing a vibrant transformation, becoming a bustling hub of activity for the 2026 WRC Safari Rally Kenya. The town has been beaming with confidence since the rally preparations began, attracting a diverse crowd of visitors, revelers, dignitaries, and even conmen, leading to a significant economic boom across various sectors.

The hospitality industry, in particular, is flourishing. Accommodation rates have soared, with Airbnb-like Rehema Homes charging Sh6500 daily for a one-bedroom stay, up from Sh3000, and single rooms increasing from Sh1000 to Sh2500, all of which have been quickly booked. Taxi operators, boda boda riders, and public service vehicles are enjoying brisk business, ferrying passengers from Nakuru and Nairobi. Additionally, Karagita beach along Moi South Lake Road has come alive, with visitors flocking to enjoy freshly prepared fish and boat rides, capturing memories with photos and selfies.

Entertainment joints in Naivasha have also capitalized on the influx, with some increasing prices and others bringing in live bands or top DJs from Nairobi to attract more clients. The rally itself is a global motorsport spectacle, expected to draw over 400,000 fans to its various stages. Corporations like SportPesa, KCB, Betika, KenGen, and Kenya Airways have set up prime locations to host clients, offering a unique experience as rally cars whiz by. The camaraderie among fans is palpable, with Ugandan supporters, known as Rally Hunters, bringing their traditional delicacy, matoke, to the event.

The Wildlife Research and Training Institute of Kenya (WRTI) serves as the nerve centre for the rally, housing the famous Service Park. This restricted area, requiring accreditation for access, is where rally controls are monitored and top manufacturers such as Toyota, Hyundai, and M-Sport Ford have established their bases. It's a hive of activity where local and international media conduct live transmissions to over 100 million viewers worldwide. The Service Park is a dynamic environment, resembling a war zone, with cars being panel-beaten, reporters going live on air, and cranes lowering heavy tools. Lucky fans and school children have the opportunity to visit manufacturer zones, take photos with their rally icons, and even dine with their role models. The Toyota Gazoo Racing stand is particularly popular, with guests eager to photograph their award-winning machines. Toyota, the most successful manufacturer in the WRC series, aims for a three-peat podium sweep, a sixth individual title, and a sixth team title, having remained unbeaten on Kenyan soil since the WRC's return to Africa in 2021.

The rally has proven to be challenging due to heavy pre-event rain, raising concerns about extremely punishing conditions. Belgian driver Thierry Neuville set the pace on the new shakedown stage, finishing quickest, 1.8 seconds ahead of Toyota's Oliver Solberg. Sami Pajari and championship leader Elfyn Evans followed. Neuville, who heads the standings, advised teams to balance pace with prudence. Reigning champion Sébastien Ogier described several sections as