Kenya has submitted a bid to extend the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally contract for another five years following the expiration of the previous agreement in 2026.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe iconic Safari Rally made its highly anticipated return to the FIA WRC calendar in 2021 after a 19-year hiatus, and it has solidified its position as the ultimate test of endurance on the global schedule.The event's original five-year contract was extended to run through the 2026 season, where it served as Round three from 12 to 15 March.##NAJAVA_MECA_10000362##According to Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi, the government is preparing to host a bigger Safari Rally next year, and has requested a contract extension from the rally organisers, which would see the country get an additional five years to host the event."Kenya has been home to electrifying rallying events since 2019 and is keen on continuing to host the event that has positioned the country as one of the most exciting and challenging routes for global rallying competition.We are preparing to have another bigger rallying event in March 2027 that will be supported by the government and private sector," the PS disclosed.Thunder sweep KPA to lift third consecutive unbeaten KBF titleSince 2026, the government has changed the model of hosting the WRC by allowing the event to be coordinated and managed by the actors in the private sector.The PS, however, clarified that the government will still be involved in the event by collaborating with the private sector through a special purpose vehicle to ensure the success of the event.This comes on the back of Portugal rally organisers Automóvel Club de Portugal announcing that the event will be absent from the 2027 calendar despite having a date set for next year’s event.##NAJAVA_MECA_9999600##The gravel event is one of the founding members of the WRC hosting a round since the inaugural season in 1973, having only been absent from the schedule during a brief hiatus from 2002 to 2006.In 2025, organisers agreed a new three-year deal ensuring the event would feature on the WRC calendar until at least 2028.While WRC is yet to reveal its 2027 calendar, the rally was set to host a round of the championship next year from 13-16 May, based in a new location.
9