Kenya Prepares to Receive Over 10,000 Tourists During WRC Safari Rally Weekend
The rally attendees will provide business opportunities for hotels and small enterprises and local entrepreneurs working in Naivasha and across the country.
Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT's British driver Elfyn Evans steers his Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 with British co-driver Scott Martin during the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally Kenya Special Stage 7 (SS7) in Gilgil on March 21, 2025. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Major Motorsport Event Expected to Boost Tourism
Kenya intends to host more than 10000 tourists who will arrive from neighboring East African countries during the World Rally Championship WRC Safari Rally which will occur from March 12 to 15 2026 in Naivasha Nakuru County. The motorsport event will draw regional and international rally fans who will create a tourism boost that will benefit the entire nation.
Tourism officials state that some rally fans have already arrived in Kenya because the event will start soon while Ugandan visitors are currently exploring the coast before they travel to Naivasha for competition. The visitors are using the rally time to visit various tourist destinations which Kenya offers beyond its motorsport events.
Visitors Combine Rally Experience with Coastal Tourism
The Uganda Rally Hunters group leader Emmanuel Mugaga described their trip to Kenya this year as a combination of rally excitement and tourism exploration. He mentioned that the group had already spent time enjoying various attractions along the Kenyan coast.
“We decided to include tourism as part of our rally experience this year. Our group has visited Diani Beach, explored coral reefs, and enjoyed seafood such as prawns and shrimps. We have also experienced the vibrant nightlife along the coast,” Mugaga said.
Regional Tourists Expected in Large Numbers
The Kenya Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer June Chepkemei announced that over 10000 rally fans from Uganda Tanzania Rwanda Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ethiopia will come to Kenya for the 2026 Safari Rally. The visitors will join both local spectators and international fans who will attend the event.
Chepkemei mentioned that the East African region remains a significant market for Kenya’s tourism industry. She explained that combining major sporting events such as the WRC Safari Rally with visits to other tourist destinations helps create attractive travel packages for visitors.
“Our neighboring East African countries provide a strong tourism market for Kenya. By linking major events like the Safari Rally with popular destinations such as Mombasa we are offering visitors diverse travel experiences. According to Chepkemei this strategy will bring more tourists while it will also boost regional unity and economic development through tourism.
Tourists Begin Journey from Coast to Naivasha
A group of Ugandan tourists who visited coastal areas including Kilifi and Kwale Counties for four days were flagged off in Mombasa as they departed for Naivasha to attend the rally according to her.
Chepkemei encouraged regional visitors to take time to experience the unique cultural heritage, scenic beaches, and historical attractions found along the Kenyan coast before proceeding to Naivasha for the motorsport event.
Local Leaders Welcome Regional Visitors
Mohamed Osman Ali the Mombasa County Executive Committee Member for Tourism Culture and Trade welcomed Ugandan rally fans while he emphasized how partnerships help promote tourism destinations.
He mentioned that Mombasa together with other attractions is shown to visitors through the collaboration between county authorities and the Kenya Tourism Board and their partners.
According to Ali the ongoing visits show how Kenya and Uganda are working together to develop East African tourism which enhances tourist experiences throughout the entire region.
Tourism Industry Encourages More Rally Fans to Visit
Dr. Sam Ikwaye the Executive Officer of the Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers urged more rally fans to include Mombasa in their travel plans. He described the initiative as a strong example of how regional cooperation can benefit tourism and economic development.
Tourism statistics show that the East African region continues to contribute significantly to Kenya’s tourism sector. During the previous year the region brought in 568264 tourists to Kenya. Uganda led the numbers with 238595 tourists making up 41 percent of arrivals with a 5.78 percent increase from the previous year.
The number of visitors from Tanzania reached 212365 showing a 4.46 percent increase whereas Rwandan arrivals grew by 9.46 percent to 72094 tourists. The Democratic Republic of the Congo saw its visitor count rise by 15.96 percent bringing the total to 45210.
Safari Rally Expected to Deliver Economic Benefits
Chepkemei revealed that the Kenya Tourism Board is using the Safari Rally to promote Kenya as a multifaceted travel destination. Visitors can combine beach tourism, cultural exploration, and the excitement of international motorsport events.
The rally event will create major economic benefits to the tourism and hospitality sectors of the region. The rally attendees will provide business opportunities for hotels and small enterprises and local entrepreneurs working in Naivasha and across the country.
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