The Kenyan government, through the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, has activated a multi-agency framework to ensure safety and security during the 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally.
More than 1,000 police officers will be deployed during the World Rally Championship Safari Rally in Naivasha, Kenya, according to a March 12 press release from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.
Officers deployed will ensure that the crowds are managed, security is maintained, and traffic is controlled during the rally.
“More than 1,000 police officers drawn from various formations will be deployed across rally routes, spectator zones, and key access roads to maintain security, manage crowds, and support traffic control operations,” part of the press release read.
According to the ministry, the government has put up comprehensive security, traffic management, and public safety measures ahead of the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally.
Deployed police officers will remain active across the rally route from March 12 to March 15 in Naivasha and the surrounding areas.
The security arrangement during the rally will involve several government institutions, including the National Police Service, National Government Administration Officers, National Transport and Safety Authority, and the Kenya National Highways Authority.
County authorities and rally organizers will work closely with the government institutions to facilitate smooth operations throughout the event period.
In addition, spectators attending the rally are advised to observe the competition only from designated spectator zones and follow safety instructions issued by security officers and event marshals.
“Fans are advised to watch the rally only from designated spectator zones, follow instructions issued by security officers and event marshals, and avoid accessing restricted rally tracks or operational areas,” the ministry said.
Also Read: KeNHA Lists Alternative Diversion Routes Ahead of Safari Rally Weekend
Alternative routes
Motorists and members of the public have been advised that temporary traffic management measures and road diversions will be implemented along designated rally routes.
Motorists travelling along the Nairobi-Naivasha highway are encouraged to consider alternative routes to ease congestion, including the Nairobi-Limuru-Flyover-Njabini-Ol Kalou-Ndondori-Lanet-Nakuru route and the Nairobi-Mai Mahiu-Narok-Nakuru-Western Kenya route.
WRC Safari Rally in Kenya
Kenya will host the third round of the FIA World Rally Championship in Naivasha, Nakuru County.
This year’s competition marks the 74th edition of the rally, which began in 1953 as the East Africa Coronation Rally, joined the global championship in 1973, and later adopted the name Safari Rally.
For the first time since its return to the WRC calendar in 2021, the rally will not start in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.
Also Read: Naivasha Traffic Chaos Disrupts Safari Rally Kenya 2025
On Thursday, March 12, Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi confirmed that Kenya’s organizing structures, host county operations, and event management teams are fully in place.
He additionally confirmed that all preparations had passed the mandatory FIA World Rally Championship safety requirements.
Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo, head of the Safari Rally Kenya Secretariat and one of East Africa’s rally drivers, echoed the government’s confidence.
SportPesa, one of the rally’s commercial partners, has reaffirmed its commitment to the 2026 Safari Rally.
