Nairobi dropped as Safari Rally Kenya confirms 2026 WRC route change

Nairobi will not feature in the 2026 Safari Rally in Kenya, marking a major shift in the World Rally Championship event’s route since its return to the global calendar four years ago.

Rally organisers have confirmed that next year’s edition will drop the traditional Kasarani Super Special Stage, meaning the iconic event will no longer visit the capital at all. Since 2021, the Nairobi-based head-to-head super special had served as the ceremonial start of the rally.

In another significant change, the rally week has been shortened by one day, with the shakedown stage moved from Wednesday to Thursday morning. The five-kilometre Nawisa test will serve as the official shakedown ahead of competitive action.

The rally will now begin on Thursday afternoon, with drivers tackling the familiar Camp Moran and Mzabibu stages around Naivasha. Much of the route mirrors the 2025 layout.

Friday will be the longest and most demanding day, featuring eight stages including double runs of Loldia, Kengen Geothermal, Kedong and Camp Moran, covering 136.55 competitive kilometres.

On Saturday, crews will take on six stages across the savannah — Soysambu, Elmenteita and Sleeping Warrior, each run twice — totalling 123 kilometres.

The rally concludes on Sunday with four stages, including repeat runs of Oserengoni and Hell’s Gate, with the iconic Hell’s Gate Power Stage once again deciding the final standings.

The service park and rally headquarters remain in Naivasha, about 100 kilometres from Nairobi.

Safari Rally Kenya will be the third round of the 2026 WRC season, running from March 12th to 15th, with a total of 20 special stages covering 350 kilometres.