Kenya’s Safari Rally Confirmed for 2027 as World Rally Championship Expands

NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s Safari Rally will remain on the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar in 2027 after the FIA approved an expanded 15-round schedule featuring the return of rally events in the United States and the United Kingdom.

The confirmation maintains Kenya’s place in the championship following its return to the WRC in 2021 after a 19-year absence. The 2027 Safari Rally is scheduled for March 18–21, with Kenya set to host the championship’s third round.

The event is widely associated with demanding gravel stages and challenging terrain around Naivasha, making it a distinctive stop on the international rally calendar.

The 2027 season will begin with Rallye Monte-Carlo in January, followed by Rally Sweden in February before competitors head to Kenya in March. The championship will then continue across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.

The expanded calendar includes Rally US from August 26–29, marking the championship’s return to the United States for the first time since 1988. Rally Scotland is also scheduled for September 30–October 3, while Rally d’Italia will feature a new event in the Rome region.

The season is set to conclude with Rally Saudi Arabia in November.

The FIA’s decision provides continuity for Kenya’s international motorsport presence and gives organisers, teams and local businesses a longer planning horizon for the 2027 event.

The Safari Rally also carries economic significance for the country, attracting international competitors, spectators and media while creating business opportunities for hospitality providers and communities around the route.

With the date now confirmed on the official calendar, attention will turn to preparations for the 2027 edition and ensuring that the event meets the organisational requirements of the global championship.