The 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally, marking the third leg of the prestigious global event, roared to life in Naivasha, Kenya, on March 12, 2026. Characterized by persistent wet conditions, the rally is already proving to be a formidable test for drivers and their machines. The ceremonial start was graced by high-ranking officials including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, Sports PS Elijah Mwangi, FIA officials, KMSF President Maina Muturi, and Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, all underscoring the event's national and international significance.

The rally commenced with an adrenaline-filled shakedown earlier in the day at the newly created 6.31km Nawisa Stage. Belgian speedster Thierry Neuville of Hyundai topped this initial run, showcasing his early form on Kenyan soil. The Nawisa stage, described as a rocky quarry with narrow-rutted descending tracks, demanded quick adjustments from drivers, compounded by the incessant rains. Neuville, despite his lead, tempered expectations, stating, "We need to find the fine line between going fast enough and not too fast. The conditions are going to be horrendous at some points since this is a wet rally." World champion Sebastien Ogier echoed this sentiment, adding, "This rally is more challenging than ever. The rain has been intense, so some sections are going to be very, very challenging. It will be about survival." Later in the afternoon, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki officially flagged off the competitive stages at the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) Service Park. The vibrant ceremony featured enthusiastic cheers and traditional Maasai dancers, who added a touch of cultural splendor to the event's start. Kindiki emphasized Kenya's pride in hosting the rally, highlighting its role in positioning the country as a leading sporting and tourist destination.

Central to the rally's challenge is the Loldia stage, spanning 25.04 kilometres, which is expected to be one of the defining tests of the event, especially with the ongoing rains. This demanding stretch begins with a tight uphill climb towards the top of Eburru Hill, before plunging through sections that offer panoramic views overlooking Lake Naivasha. The route has been extended into the scenic Eburru Forest, introducing slim paths and changing surfaces that add another layer of complexity. Drivers will navigate through classic Rift Valley landscapes, featuring volcanic red soil tracks, open grasslands, and dense scrubland dotted with eucalyptus and acacia trees. Encounters with wildlife, typically buffalo and waterbucks, are also anticipated in sections that open into wide plateaus allowing for full throttle, before descending into tighter corridors. Technical segments are interspersed throughout the stage, including a fast right-hand corner near rustic wooden structures, transitions from shaded tree covers to brighter open ground requiring quick adjustments, and large rocks close to the road's edge forcing precise racing lines. The uneven terrain and steep embankments can easily unsettle vehicles, with one deep washout in the track capable of sending cars momentarily airborne, placing heavy strain on suspension systems. Historically, Loldia has proven unforgiving; in the 2021 edition, Thierry Neuville and co-driver Martijn Wydaeghe suffered a broken rear-right damper while leading, forcing their retirement. Last year, M-Sport Ford’s Grégoire Munster also lost valuable time after his rear-right suspension snapped on the same stretch.

After the shakedown, the rally proper saw drivers tackle two competitive stages: Camp Moran 1 (SS1, 24.35km) and Mzabibu 1 (SS2, 8.86km). Camp Moran 1 tested the speedsters with the rugged cliffs of the Rift Valley and narrow, tricky tracks, demanding full concentration. Mzabibu 1, in contrast, was designed as a spectator's delight, offering fans a close-up experience of the vehicles and serving as the location for the Rally Village, providing various entertainment options. Drivers are scheduled to cover a total of eight stages, amounting to 385.39km, in the subsequent days, snaking through Camp Moran, Loldia, Kengen Geothermal, and Mzabibu in a repeated loop.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki reaffirmed the government's unwavering commitment to motorsports, particularly the WRC Safari Rally. He announced that the government would continue to pay the annual affiliation fees of Sh400 million to the Federation of International Automobile (FIA) and other related fees owed by Kenya and the Kenya Motorsports Federation (KMSF). Kindiki also stressed the importance of nurturing young talents to ensure the continuity and future of motorsports in the country, and guaranteed robust security along all rally routes during the four-day extravaganza. Sports CS Salim Mvurya confirmed the government's support for the Public Private Partnership model in funding and managing the event, noting significant contributions from sponsors like KCB and Sportpesa. This collaborative approach, Mvurya stated, raises hopes for FIA to renew Kenya's contract for hosting the global competition.