Kenya to host over 10,000 tourists during WRC Safari Rally weekend

Kenya is set to host over 10,000 regional visitors during the World Rally Championship Safari Rally scheduled for 12th–15th March 2026 in Naivasha, Nakuru County.

Some visitors from Uganda are already at the Kenyan coast for excursions. The leader of the Uganda Rally Hunters, Emmanuel Mugaga, noted that the rally presented an opportunity for them to explore Kenya’s attractions beyond the sport.

“We are incorporating tourism into our rally experience this year. We have been to Diani Beach, explored the coral reefs, and sampled prawns and shrimps, as well as the vibrant nightlife at the coast,” said Mugaga.

The CEO of the Kenya Tourism Board, June Chepkemei, disclosed that more than 10,000 fans from Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Ethiopia are expected to join local and international fans for the 2026 Safari Rally edition.

“Our East African neighbours represent a vital and high-potential source market for Kenya. By integrating events like the WRC Safari Rally with diverse regional attractions such as Mombasa, we are creating compelling travel itineraries that cater to a broader range of interests. This strategic approach not only boosts visitor arrivals but also strengthens regional ties and promotes shared prosperity through tourism,” said Chepkemei.

She further revealed that a group of Ugandan visitors who had spent the last four days touring the Kenyan coast had been flagged off in Mombasa to begin their road trip to Naivasha for the rally.

“This morning we flagged off a group of Ugandan visitors from Mombasa who have been touring the coast for the past four days, including Kilifi and Kwale County. Their journey to Naivasha highlights the multi-destination travel experience Kenya is promoting. We encourage our regional visitors to immerse themselves in the unique culture, pristine beaches, and historical sites of our coastal gem before heading to Naivasha for the rally,” she added.

Commenting on the visit by Ugandan rally fans to Mombasa, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Tourism, Culture and Trade, Mohamed Osman Ali, welcomed the visitors and emphasized the importance of partnerships in promoting the destination.

“On behalf of the County, I welcome the Uganda Rally Hunters to Mombasa and wish them a great time as they begin their rally experience here. Through partnerships with the Kenya Tourism Board and other stakeholders, we are able to leverage the rally to further showcase the destination,” he said.

He added that the tour reflects growing regional collaboration. “This tour speaks to the collaboration between Kenya and Uganda as part of a unified East African tourism circuit. We continue to work closely with Uganda to enhance the overall experience for tourists across the region.”

The Executive Officer of the Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers, Dr. Sam Ikwaye, also encouraged more rally fans to visit Mombasa, describing it as a strong example of regional cooperation.

“We want to encourage more rally fans to visit Mombasa. This is a classic example of how cooperation within the East African region should work. When we receive visitors, we create economic development opportunities across the region,” he said.

The East African region continues to be a key source market for Kenya’s tourism sector, recording consistent growth in visitor arrivals. Last year, the region contributed 568,264 tourists, with Uganda accounting for 41 percent of the arrivals at 238,595 visitors, representing 5.78 percent year-on-year growth.

During the same period, visitor numbers from Tanzania grew by 4.46 percent to 212,365, while arrivals from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo increased by 9.46 percent and 15.96 percent, reaching 72,094 and 45,210 visitors respectively.

According to Chepkemei, the tourism-marketing agency is leveraging the rally to position Kenya as a multi-experience destination, where regional visitors can combine coastal excursions, cultural experiences, and high-octane motorsports.

Beyond the thrill of the rally, the event delivers tangible socio-economic benefits by stimulating growth in the tourism and hospitality sectors while creating opportunities for hotels, small businesses, and local entrepreneurs in Naivasha, Nakuru, and across the country.