As the 2026 WRC Safari Rally (March 12–15) approaches, the quiet town of Naivasha is about to get very loud. While Ugandan fans are packing their bags to cheer on the local heroes like Yasin Nasser and Oscar Ntambi, they should keep a close eye on the “neighbors” across the border.
The Kenyans aren’t just hosting the party; they are bringing a formidable lineup of “Dust-Eaters” determined to keep the African Rally Championship (ARC) silverware in Nairobi.
Here is the Kenyan “Hit List” you need to watch as the engines roar to life in the Great Rift Valley.
- The Professional: Karan Patel (Skoda Fabia RS)
If there is one man Ugandan drivers have at the top of their radar, it’s Karan Patel. The two-time African Champion is back with his “trusty steed,” a world-class Skoda Fabia. After a tight battle with Uganda’s Yasin Nasser last season, Karan is on a mission to reclaim his continental dominance. He’s fast, technical, and knows the Fesh-Fesh of Kedong like the back of his hand. - The Legend: Carl “Flash” Tundo (Ford Fiesta Rally2)
You can’t talk about the Safari without mentioning “Flash.” With five Safari wins under his belt from the pre-WRC era, Tundo is the ultimate veteran. This year, he’s pulling double duty—serving as the CEO of the Safari Rally while still jumping into the cockpit of a Ford Fiesta. If the weather turns messy and the mud gets deep, bet on Tundo’s experience to pull him ahead. - The Inspiration: Nikhil Sachania (Ford Fiesta Rally3) A crowd favorite across East Africa, Nikhil continues to defy the odds. As a paraplegic driver using specially modified hand controls, he isn’t just there for “participation.” He is the defending WRC3 category winner from last year. His consistency is his greatest weapon; while others break their cars trying to go too fast, Nikhil simply survives and wins.
- The “Lionesses”: Pauline Sheghu & Tinashe Gatimu
Kenya is fielding a strong contingent of female drivers this year. Pauline Sheghu, a former journalist turned speed queen, has declared she isn’t in Naivasha to “fill up the numbers”—she’s eyeing a WRC3 podium. Meanwhile, young talent Tinashe Gatimu is making waves, racing alongside her mother, Caroline, in a heartwarming (but high-speed) family duo.
Despite the fierce rivalry on the stages, the spirit of “East Africanism” is alive. Just last week, Uganda’s Oscar Ntambi was spotted in Athi River, Kenya, testing his Mitsubishi Evo X alongside Kenya’s Nikhil Sachania.
For the Ugandan fans heading to Vasha: the “Kenyan Kings” are ready, the stages are brutal, and the party will be legendary. Whether you’re waving the Black-Yellow-Red or the Green-White-Red, one thing is certain—the Safari Rally remains the ultimate test of man and machine.
The Full Kenyan Entry List for the Safari Rally 2026:
The “Rally2” Powerhouse (WRC2 / ARC)
(These are the fastest local cars, just one step below the world-class factory hybrids)
Karan Patel / Tauseef Khan – Skoda Fabia R5
Carl “Flash” Tundo / Tim Jessop – Ford Fiesta R5
Samman Singh Vohra / Drew Sturrock – Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo
Jeremiah Wahome / Victor Okundi – Škoda Fabia RS Rally2
Issa Amwari / Dennis Mwenda – Škoda Fabia R5
Aakif Virani / Zahir Shah – Škoda Fabia R5
Ishmael Azeli / John Ngugi – Škoda Fabia RS Rally2
Hamza Anwar / Adnan Din – Ford Fiesta Rally2
The “Rally3” & “Rally4” Contenders (WRC3 / ARC3)
Light, nimble, and surprisingly fast on the Naivasha rough.
Nikhil Sachania / Deep Patel – Ford Fiesta Rally3 (Defending WRC3 Champ)
Tinashe Gatimu / Caroline Gatimu – Ford Fiesta Rally4
Andrew Muiruri / Edward Njoroge – Ford Fiesta Rally3
McRae Kimathi / Mwangi Kioni – Ford Fiesta Rally3
The “National” & Production Class (ARC2 / NR4)
The heavy-hitters of the local scene, featuring the legendary Japanese beasts.
Evans Nzioka / Absalom Aswani – Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X
Sameer Nanji / Suraj Pala – Subaru Impreza WRX
Harpreet Singh Bhogal / Gordon Noble – Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X
Pauline Sheghu / Linet Ayuko – Subaru Impreza
Lisa Christoffersen / TBA – Subaru Impreza
