Koinange Vows To Bring WRC Safari Rally To Laikipia

By Fatuma Rashid

Laikipia 2027 gubernatorial frontrunner Koinange Wahome has vouched for the County to host the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally in the coming years.

He said Laikipia must not remain a spectator to such an opportunity while neighbouring Nakuru County continues to reap significant economic benefits from the global event.

The annual motorsport spectacle, which returned to the WRC calendar in 2021 after a 19-year absence, has since transformed Naivasha and Nakuru County into a vibrant tourism and commercial hub.

The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate said the time was ripe for Laikipia County to step forward and secure its place on the global motorsport map.

Reflecting on the recent rally weekend in Nakuru County, he described it as dramatic and electrifying, noting its strong economic impact.

“The WRC is a powerful economic driver. Hotels were fully booked, businesses thrived, and thousands of visitors injected life into the local economy,” he said.

Koinange, who currently serves as the County Secretary and head of Public Service, expressed confidence that Laikipia has the capacity to host the prestigious global rally.

He pointed out at the vast rangelands of Laikipia East and Laikipia North and the wide range of wildlife that offer some of the most breathtaking and challenging terrain imaginable for rally racing.

He added that, coupled with world-class hotels, lodges, and tourism infrastructure, the county is well prepared to host the event that attracts drivers, crews, fans, and international media.

“Hosting the event would unlock economic growth by creating jobs, boosting tourism, and showcasing the county’s potential on the world stage. The event is broadcast live globally,” he explained.

President William Ruto has indicated that the private sector will take up the responsibility of hosting, managing, promoting, and funding the WRC Safari Rally going forward.

In June 2021, former President Uhuru Kenyatta announced that Kenya had secured hosting rights for the WRC Safari Rally until 2026, after a 19 year-long pause, the Safari Rally is back home.

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is yet to confirm whether Kenya will retain hosting rights beyond that period, even as the WRC returns to the United Kingdom with a new gravel-based event, Rally Scotland, scheduled for 2027–2029.

Meanwhile, hospitality players and business owners in Nakuru County have urged the government to negotiate an extension of Kenya’s hosting rights beyond 2026.