NAIROBI, Kenya— The roar of turbocharged engines isn’t just music to motorsport fans—it’s also a cash register ringing for Naivasha’s hospitality industry.
As Kenya continues to host the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally, local hoteliers and tourism stakeholders are rallying behind calls to extend hosting rights beyond 2026, citing an economic boom that’s too good to let go.
Rally Fever: Full Bookings, Overflowing Restaurants, and Airbnb Gold
For Naivasha’s hospitality scene, the Safari Rally is the equivalent of peak holiday season—on steroids.
Hotels, restaurants, and entertainment joints are seeing record-breaking numbers, with some running out of rooms before the engines even start revving.
Susan Muli, manager of Grand Tiara Hotel, says demand is so high that businesses are improvising.
“We’ve had to get creative—setting up extra tents, expanding outdoor seating, and even collaborating with serviced apartments and Airbnbs to accommodate visitors,” Muli revealed.
Since the WRC’s return to Kenya in 2021, the hospitality sector has seen a surge in investment, from boutique hotels to guest houses and resorts.
The domino effect is hard to ignore—new petrol stations, supermarkets, and retail outlets have popped up to cater to the growing influx of rally tourists.
The 2025 WRC Safari Rally has transformed Naivasha into a tourism hotspot, attracting thousands of local and international fans.
Nyama Choma, Full Bars, and Skyrocketing Sales
It’s not just hotels cashing in—the entire food and beverage scene is on overdrive. Local businesses, from nyama choma joints to high-end bars, are reporting record sales.
Ken Mugo, who owns a popular nyama choma restaurant, says the rally has turned mid-week slow days into money-making bonanzas.
“Normally, we grill about five to eight goats on a weekend. This week, by Wednesday noon, we had already sold eight,” he said, grinning.
At entertainment spots, the party starts early and doesn’t stop.
“Sales have jumped by 80pc, and we’ve had to source extra stock to keep up with demand,” Mugo added.
They came, they saw, they stole the spotlight! Stunning Ugandan women spotted in Naivasha, soaking in the #WRC World Safari Rally vibes.#SafariRallyKenya2025 #SafariRallyKenya 🇰🇪 @SandraNabasirye #TembeaKenya
The Future of WRC in Kenya: Why It Should Stay Beyond 2026
The impact of the Safari Rally stretches beyond adrenaline and dust—it’s an economic juggernaut.
The event has positioned Naivasha as a must-visit destination, attracting both motorsport fans and casual tourists looking to experience the buzz.
With the government keen on expanding Kenya’s sports tourism sector, industry players are urging policymakers to lobby for a long-term contract with WRC Promoter GmbH.
An extension would solidify Naivasha’s status as Africa’s motorsport hub, boosting investments and creating more jobs.
