Ruto Says Nairobi–Naivasha Traffic During Safari Rally Will End
Politics Updated: 15 March 2026 20:42 EAT
President William Samoei Ruto at the WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha
President William Ruto on Sunday attended the closing ceremony of the Safari Rally Kenya in Naivasha, where he addressed thousands of motorsport fans and rally officials. The event marked the conclusion of the four-day international rally held across several stages in Nakuru County.
The President told spectators that the traffic congestion usually experienced along the Nairobi–Naivasha Highway during the rally will soon be a thing of the past. He said ongoing road expansion works will ease movement for motorists travelling to Naivasha for future editions of the event.
Ruto said the government is fast-tracking the dualling of the Rironi–Mau Summit Road, a major route linking Nairobi with the Rift Valley region. The project is expected to significantly reduce congestion on the busy highway.
According to the President, this year’s rally should be the last time Kenyans endure heavy traffic while travelling to Naivasha for the global motorsport competition. The Nairobi–Naivasha road is the main route used by thousands of spectators heading to the rally stages each year.
Ruto made the remarks while presiding over activities surrounding the final leg and podium ceremony of the rally in Naivasha after drivers completed the last stages of the championship. The ceremony marked the official close of the 2026 Safari Rally.
During the event, the President congratulated rally drivers and teams who competed in the championship and praised organisers for hosting a successful international motorsport competition in Kenya. He said the rally continues to place the country on the global sporting map.
The Head of State also announced a major policy shift in the management of the Safari Rally, revealing that the government will stop financing the event using public funds starting next year.
He said the private sector will take over the funding and promotion of the rally beginning with the next edition, noting that the move will reduce pressure on the national budget while ensuring the competition continues to grow.
Ruto said the rally has become a major tourism and economic driver, attracting thousands of local and international visitors to Naivasha and surrounding areas every year.
The President attended the rally in the company of several government officials and rally organisers involved in hosting the event, while other senior leaders had earlier participated in the opening activities of the championship.
Earlier in the week, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki flagged off the 2026 Safari Rally during the official opening ceremony at the Kenya Wildlife Service Training Institute.
The Safari Rally, part of the World Rally Championship calendar, attracts thousands of fans to Naivasha each year, often leading to heavy traffic along major highways linking the town with Nairobi and other parts of the country.
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