NAIVASHA, Kenya — Takamoto Katsuta and his co-driver Aaron Johnston secured a landmark victory at the Safari Rally Kenya on Sunday, claiming their first-ever win in the World Rally Championship (WRC) after four days of punishing racing across Kenya’s rugged terrain.
Driving for Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT, Katsuta delivered a composed performance to conquer one of the most demanding rallies on the global motorsport calendar, finishing the event in 3:16:05.6 overall time.
The 2026 edition of the rally, the third round of the 2026 World Rally Championship season, ran from March 12 to March 15, featuring 20 special stages covering more than 350 kilometres of competitive distance across gravel roads in and around Naivasha in Nakuru County.
Breakthrough after years of near misses
Katsuta’s victory marked a breakthrough moment in his WRC career. The Japanese driver had previously come close to winning in Kenya, finishing second in the 2021 Safari Rally and remaining a consistent podium contender in subsequent editions.
His triumph also came after more than 90 starts in the WRC, making the Safari Rally victory his maiden win in the championship.
The rally’s final stages were shaped by dramatic retirements among several frontrunners. Mechanical issues and punctures forced leading contenders such as Sébastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans out of contention during the brutal middle stages of the rally.
Tough terrain defines the Safari Rally
The Safari Rally is widely regarded as one of the toughest events in global motorsport, known for its rough gravel tracks, unpredictable weather, and high mechanical attrition rates.
Held around the scenic Rift Valley region near Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate National Park, the rally tests both driver skill and vehicle durability.
Despite the punishing conditions, Katsuta maintained a steady pace throughout the final day to seal the victory — an emotional milestone for the 32-year-old driver.
Toyota dominance continues
The win also extended the strong record of Toyota on Kenyan soil since the Safari Rally returned to the WRC calendar in 2021 after nearly two decades away.
With the result, Toyota strengthened its position in the manufacturers’ standings while Katsuta moved significantly up the drivers’ championship rankings.
For fans and competitors alike, the victory added a fresh chapter to the long history of the Safari Rally, one of Africa’s most iconic motorsport events.