President William Ruto has announced that the Safari Rally Kenya will, from next year be fully funded and supported by the private sector, ending the use of public funds to stage the global motorsport event.
Speaking during the closure of the 2026 WRC Rally Kenya rally in Naivasha on Sunday, Ruto praised corporate partners for stepping up to support the event and described it as a strong example of public–private partnership.
“This is the last Safari Rally where we will be spending public money to promote it,” Ruto said. “From next year, this event will be fully funded, fully supported by the private sector.”
He congratulated companies that have committed to supporting the rally, including Safaricom, Kenya Airways, Kenya Commercial Bank and SportPesa, noting that their involvement demonstrates “true patriotism.”
“I want to congratulate the private sector for stepping up as partners with the Government of Kenya to assume the responsibility of hosting this event, managing this event and promoting this event,” he said. “That is what public–private partnership looks like.”
Ruto made the announcement during the 2026 edition of the Safari Rally, one of the toughest rounds of the World Rally Championship.
He described the rally as a historic and demanding motorsport contest that continues to test drivers and machines against Kenya’s rugged terrain.
“It is still the most punishing gravel rally on the planet, a test not only of speed but of endurance, ingenuity and imagination,” he said. “The terrain still humbles even the most sophisticated of machines.”
The President also highlighted the economic and tourism benefits of hosting international sporting events, saying they create jobs, stimulate business activity and attract visitors to the country.
“Events such as these have a profound impact on our economy. They support business, create employment opportunities, stimulate tourism and generate valuable foreign exchange for our country,” he said.
He noted that Kenya has recently hosted several global sporting competitions, including the African Nations Championship, international rugby sevens tournaments and the Magical Kenya Open, demonstrating the country’s capacity to stage world-class events.
Ruto also announced initiatives aimed at developing local motorsport talent, including the production of an affordable FIA cross car and the establishment of a rally academy in partnership with the Kenya Motorsport Federation and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile.
“As a nation we are committed to nurturing the next generation of drivers, engineers and technicians,” he said.
The President concluded by thanking rally fans from across the region and the world, saying their participation continues to elevate the Safari Rally as a major global sporting spectacle.