• MOTORSPORTS

• Frank Rotich 4 months ago

Fans get green light to watch Safari Rally shakedown down stage in 2026

Rally fans in Kenya will enjoy a new experience in 2026 after organisers confirmed that spectators will be allowed to watch the Safari Rally shakedown stage for the first time since the event returned to the World Rally Championship calendar.

The 2026 WRC Safari Rally, set for March 12 to 15 in Naivasha, will introduce a major change by opening the shakedown stage to the public. This move gives fans a rare chance to see the world’s best rally drivers in action before the main competition begins.

Safari Rally Kenya Chief Executive Officer Charles Gacheru said the change is part of adjustments made to meet new FIA and WRC sporting regulations for 2026. Under the rules, the rally must start on Thursday and end on Sunday with a power stage, forcing organisers to run the entire event in Naivasha.

As a result, the ceremonial start will no longer be held in Nairobi, a tradition since the rally’s return in 2021. Instead, rally cars will be based in Naivasha from Tuesday and Wednesday for route reconnaissance, followed by administrative checks and scrutineering at the Service Park.

The shakedown will take place on Thursday morning at a new venue in Nawisa, just across the Service Park and next to the main highway. Gacheru explained that the location is easier to access and removes the need for a remote service park, making it more convenient for teams and fans alike.

Organisers expect large crowds, especially from Naivasha and nearby towns, as the shakedown will be open, accessible and televised live across the world. Fans will also not need four-wheel-drive vehicles to reach the venue, a challenge in previous years.

Gacheru acknowledged that moving the rally away from Nairobi is a big change but said it was necessary to comply with regulations, manage crew working hours and fit the required 300 kilometres of competitive racing into the four-day window.

He assured rally fans that preparations are on track, with key deadlines already met, including the rally itinerary, safety plans and route mapping. Among the route changes planned for 2026 is running the famous Camp Moran stage in reverse.

The 2026 event will be the sixth Safari Rally since Kenya rejoined the WRC in 2021, and organisers believe opening the shakedown to spectators will add more excitement and bring fans closer to the action than ever before.