BY FRANK KAHEESI – NAIVASHA, KENYA-

Wet, slippery, and rocky stages have left crews on edge ahead of the 2026 WRC Safari Rally, which roars into action this Thursday. The world’s toughest gravel rally is testing drivers long before the competitive stages, as route reconnaissance on Tuesday and Wednesday revealed the punishing combination of mud, jagged rocks, and tricky corners that have made Naivasha and its surrounding terrain legendary in the motorsport world.

The third round of the World Rally Championship has drawn 40 crews from across the globe, including all the big guns from Toyota, M-Sport, and Hyundai. Toyota, defending manufacturers’ champions, have fielded an impressive five-car lineup: nine-time world champion Sébastien Ogier, current championship leader Elfyn Evans, rising star Oliver Solberg, Takamoto Katsuta, and Sami Pajari. M-Sport will be looking to shake things up with Jon Armstrong and Joshua McErlean, while Hyundai’s challenge is spearheaded by Adrien Fourmaux, Thierry Neuville, and Esapekka Lappi.

Toyota has a special affinity with the Safari Rally, scoring podium finishes consistently since the event returned to the WRC calendar in 2022. But with unpredictable weather and the legendary Kenyan gravel ready to bite, no one is taking anything for granted.

Amidst the global stars, Uganda will also be proudly represented by four determined crews, eager to test themselves against the world’s best. Among them are African champion and Moil-sponsored duo Yasin Nasser and Ali Katumba, who are ready to put their experience and grit to the ultimate test. With the stakes high and the terrain unforgiving, the Ugandan crews are not just participating they’re aiming to make a statement on the international stage.