Kenya’s Safari Rally welcomes 10,000 regional fans, nod to hospitality from Coast to Naivasha

KENYA – Kenya has welcomed over 10,000 regional visitors for the 2026 Safari Rally, with fans from Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, DR Congo, and Ethiopia descending on Naivasha for the four-day World Rally Championship spectacle.

The event has transformed the lakeside town into a bustling hospitality hub, with hotels, Airbnbs, and camping sites fully booked and local businesses reaping the rewards of Africa’s biggest motorsport gathering.

From Coast to Crater: The Ultimate Road Trip

Some savvy Ugandan fans turned the rally into an epic coastal adventure first.

Emmanuel Mugaga, leader of the Uganda Rally Hunters group, led his crew to Diani Beach before the rally, where they explored coral reefs, savored prawns and shrimps, and soaked up the vibrant coastal nightlife.

After four days of sun and sand in Kilifi and Kwale counties, they were flagged off in Mombasa for their road trip to Naivasha, proof that Kenya’s “multi-destination” tourism strategy is working beautifully.

Regional Visitors Fuel Economic Engine

June Chepkemei, CEO of the Kenya Tourism Board, emphasized the strategic importance of the rally. “Our East African neighbours represent a vital and high-potential source market for Kenya,” she said.

“By integrating events like the Safari Rally with diverse attractions such as Mombasa, we are creating compelling travel itineraries that cater to a broader range of interests.”

Last year, the region contributed 568,264 visitors, with Uganda alone accounting for 238,595 arrivals—41 percent of the regional total.

More Than Just a Race

The economic impact extends far beyond the rally stages.

Kenya Tourism Federation chairman Fred Odek noted that Nairobi, Naivasha, and Nakuru are benefiting from accommodation, transport, and retail spending.

Major corporates including SportPesa, KCB, and Kenya Airways have set up prime hospitality zones where they’re hosting clients for an unforgettable rally experience.

With over 400,000 fans expected across the 20 stages, the ripple effects will be felt for months.

Cooperation That Works

Dr. Sam Ikwaye of the Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers summed it up perfectly: “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.“

For Kenya, the Safari Rally isn’t just about roaring engines, it’s about roaring economies and the beautiful synergy between sport and hospitality.

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