Start your engines: All systems go for 2025 WRC Safari Rally

The countdown is officially on for the 2025 World Rally Championship Safari Rally, set to take place from March 20-23 in Naivasha, Nakuru County, Kenya.

With preparations well underway, the event promises to be a thrilling spectacle as Kenya welcomes global attention for one of the most prestigious motorsport events in the world.

During a media briefing on January 28, Pulse Sports among them, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya reaffirmed the country's readiness to host the event.

This announcement followed a meeting between the Nakuru County leadership and the local organizing committee, where key stakeholders, including experienced figures from the rally industry, came together to finalize plans for the competition.

“We have just concluded a meeting with the leadership of Nakuru County, together with the local organizing committee for the World Rally Championship Safari Rally in Kenya," Mvurya said

"This rally, set to take place from March 20 to 23, will make Naivasha a key hub due to its strategic safety features," he added, highlighting Naivasha’s central role in this year’s edition.

The event will officially kick off at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on March 20 before the vehicles head to Kasarani and then make their way to Naivasha, where the bulk of the competition and monitoring stations will be located.

A major focus for this year’s rally is the inclusion of the local community, particularly the youth.

The CS emphasized that opportunities for short-term employment generated by the rally would be prioritized for the youth of Naivasha.

He also announced that a specialized team would work closely with local leaders to address environmental protection concerns and facilitate the enlistment of service providers, including those providing food and other essential services.

"The rally is not only a chance for global motorsport fans to watch the cars compete but also a unique opportunity to showcase Kenya as a leading destination for investment, trade, and tourism," Mvurya added.

"The 2025 World Rally Championship will help solidify Kenya’s position on the global map, and I am confident that the organizing team is fully prepared to deliver a world-class event."

In line with Kenya's goal to maintain its top-tier status in the rally circuit, the event will serve as a powerful platform to highlight the country’s potential for international business and tourism.

With the local organizing committee already on the ground, there is a palpable sense of excitement in the air as Kenya gears up for an unforgettable motorsport extravaganza.