NAIVASHA, Kenya — More than 1,000 police officers were deployed to secure the 2026 World Rally Championship Safari Rally in Naivasha, as the National Police Service led a multi-agency operation to ensure the international motorsport event proceeded safely.
The officers, drawn from different regions across the country, were stationed along rally stages, service parks and major access roads throughout the four-day event that drew thousands of spectators from Kenya and abroad.
The rally was officially flagged off on Thursday by Kithure Kindiki, marking the start of the globally recognised motorsport competition that forms part of the World Rally Championship calendar.
Running from March 12 to March 15, the rally covered approximately 1,137 kilometres around Naivasha in Nakuru County, with challenging gravel stages cutting across the dramatic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley.
The race began at the Wildlife Research and Training Institute and traversed famous rally stages including Kedong Ranch, Soysambu Conservancy, and Sleeping Warrior, before concluding with a colourful finish ceremony at Hell’s Gate National Park on Sunday.
NPS SUCCESSFULLY SECURES THE 2026 WRC SAFARI RALLY IN NAIVASHAThe National Police Service (NPS), working jointly with officers from the National Government Administration, the National Youth Service, Nakuru County Government and other stakeholders, demonstrated exemplary
The closing ceremony was presided over by President William Ruto, who attended alongside Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya and Tourism CS Rebecca Miano, among other leaders.
Police said officers worked closely with agencies, including the National Government Administration, the National Youth Service, and the Nakuru County Government to ensure coordinated security operations.
Security teams were also deployed to manage crowds and guide spectators to designated viewing areas to prevent them from entering dangerous rally zones.
Traffic police coordinated vehicle movement along key roads leading to rally stages to reduce congestion and allow smooth access for residents and visitors.
Authorities said the joint operation ensured the rally unfolded without major security incidents.
The National Police Service commended the officers involved for their professionalism and discipline during the operation, while also thanking rally fans and residents for adhering to safety guidelines that helped ensure the event concluded peacefully.
