Sponsorship boosts Kenya's star Pauline Sheghu ahead of Safari Rally
Rally driver Pauline Sheghu and her co-driver Linet Ayuko showcasing their skills at Kawi House during their WRC Safari Rally Sponsorship announcement.
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Kenya’s leading female rally star, Pauline Sheghu and her co-driver Linet Ayuko have received a combined Ksh9.85 million boost from state energy agencies and partner organisations ahead of the highly anticipated World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally event scheduled for March 12-15 in Naivasha.
For Sheghu, this marks her fourth time competing in the gruelling Safari Rally, underscoring her growing experience and determination in a sport long dominated by men.
Driving a Subaru GVB, the Queen of the Dust crew heads into this year’s edition with renewed confidence and strong institutional backing.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi officially flagged off the team's 2026 campaign on Wednesday and praised the duo's record in the WRC Safari Rally, one of the toughest and most prestigious rounds of the World Rally Championship calendar.
“This is a trailblazing achievement and I am reliably informed for 15 years the crew has been actively participating in both Kenya and African Rally Championships, and earned various accolades,” said Wandayi.
He added that the team has bolstered Kenya's global visibility and profile as a premium motorsport destination while reaffirming government backing as they prepare for the demanding Kenyan round.
Sheghu and her co-driver Ayuko made history by becoming the first Kenyan all-female team to complete three consecutive Safari Rally editions between 2023 and 2025.
The sponsorship package combines funding from several state linked energy institutions and partner organisations.
Contributions include Ksh3 million from National Oil, Ksh1 million each from Kenya Power, the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation and Women in PR, Sh500,000 each from KenGen, Kenya Pipeline and Stima SACCO, plus Sh250,000 from the Geothermal Development Company, with additional support bringing the confirmed total to Sh9.85 million.
Despite the boots, the duo announced that their doors are open for more financial support as they gear up for this year’s African Rally Championship in Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda.
“We are looking at more partnerships to come on board because we are going to do other races. We are open to all partners we are not closing doors to anyone."
The team will compete in this year’s Safari Rally under the identity Queen of the Dust as Kenya once again hosts one of the toughest events on the world rally calendar.
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