The 2026 WRC Safari Rally officially kicked off in Naivasha on Thursday with a thrilling shakedown and official flag-off, but drivers are already expressing caution due to challenging and wet conditions. Sudden downpours are drastically altering stage conditions, turning what is typically a dusty event into a muddy ordeal. The third leg of the rally is set for an intense challenge with the introduction of the longest competitive section, Loldia, spanning 25.04 kilometres. Japanese rally driver Takamoto Katsuta has navigated a challenging path to become a globally recognized motorsports competitor, driven by a deep-rooted family passion for racing. Meanwhile, Kenya's government will continue paying affiliation and related fees for the WRC Safari Rally, signaling ongoing support for the event as a major sports tourism driver. On the opening day, drivers navigated routes shared with wildlife, and thankfully, no incidents were reported.