President William Ruto has announced that starting next year, the private sector will fully fund and manage the WRC Safari Rally. This marks the final year of government funding for the event.

• The private sector will take over the responsibility for hosting, managing, promoting, and funding the WRC Safari Rally from 2025.
• This shift will allow the government to redirect funds towards the promotion of sports in schools and infrastructure development.
• Notable private sector partners mentioned for their support include Kenya Commercial Bank, SportsPesa, Safaricom, and Kenya Airways.

Unforeseen drama and harsh conditions marked the penultimate leg of the World Rally Championship Safari Rally, propelling Takamoto Katsuta of Toyota Gazoo Racing to the lead heading into the final day.

• Three key Toyota drivers, including defending champion Elfyn Evans, retired due to mechanical failures.
• Takamoto Katsuta, who started fifth, now leads by 1 minute and 25.5 seconds.
• Despite the setbacks, the retired Toyota drivers may rejoin with a 30-minute penalty after overnight repairs.

Takamoto Katsuta of Toyota has taken the lead in an unspecified rally event, with Kenyan driver Karan Patel currently in 17th place.

• Takamoto Katsuta tops the leaderboard.
• Toyota is the prominent manufacturer involved.
• Kenyan driver Karan Patel is currently ranked 17th.

Takamoto Katsuta secured his maiden WRC victory at the Safari Rally in Naivasha on Sunday, March 15, 2026. However, unlike many major sporting events, Katsuta will not receive a direct cash prize from the WRC organizers.

• Instead of prize money, drivers like Katsuta are compensated through performance bonuses, salaries, and sponsorship agreements with their respective teams, such as Toyota Gazoo Racing.
• Beyond individual accolades, Katsuta's win significantly boosts Toyota's standing in the championship, reinforcing their lead over Hyundai by 157 points to 114.
• Katsuta's win was a dramatic upset, occurring after several front-runners, including Oliver Solberg and Sebastian Ogier, retired due to mechanical issues on the challenging Naivasha terrain.

President William Ruto joined fans in Naivasha to witness the thrilling action of the 2026 Safari Rally Kenya.

• The event is a significant fixture on the World Rally Championship calendar.
• Key participant: President William Ruto.
• Notable location: Naivasha, a popular motorsport hub.

According to President William Ruto, the ongoing Safari Rally Kenya will be the last to receive public funding. Moving forward, the event will be entirely financed, managed, and promoted by the private sector.

• The Safari Rally Kenya will transition to 100% private sector funding starting next year.
• President William Ruto announced this significant shift in event management and funding.
• This change is part of a public-private partnership initiative.