WRC Safari Rally: Where a 'flying sausage' meets the 'queens of the dust'

The 2026 WRC Safari Rally revved off in Naivasha on Thursday as fans looked forward to hair-raising action and thrilling stunts.

As drivers zoomed off to a flying start once again, it was also that time when they must try to avoid hitting wildlife.

Wild animals are often forced to run for their lives as the roar of rally cars disrupts the peace they have long enjoyed in their natural habitat.

The adrenaline-filled competition was flagged off by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki at the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) Service Park, accompanied by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya and Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi.

Drivers battled through rocky quarries and manoeuvred narrow, rutted descending tracks made even more challenging by the incessant rains pounding Naivasha, which had left the terrain slippery.

The stage was tight, with plenty of wildlife and panoramic views of the sprawling Naivasha town and its surroundings. It tested both drivers and cars to the maximum with its abrasive surface, flowing corners and short straights.

As fans gathered to cheer their favourite teams, former media personality Pauline Sheghu and her navigator Linet Ayuko are among Kenyan women steadily making their mark in a sport traditionally dominated by men.

An employee of GDC, Sheghu, alongside Kenya Pipeline Company's Ayuko, are drawn to the sport not by financial rewards but by the thrill of pushing boundaries and conquering fear.

Motorsport is widely regarded as one of the most demanding sports, requiring immense skill, focus and resources.

Speaking at the rally’s Event Service Park, the duo expressed confidence, saying they are determined to put in a strong performance at the four-day event.

Sheghu said they feel better prepared for this year’s rally and believes their upgraded rally car will help them compete more effectively.

“I feel ready in every way, spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally. We completed our reconnaissance runs and now it’s time to compete,” she said.

Sheghu is piloting a Subaru Impreza WRX STI, a car she believes will give the crew a stronger chance of achieving their goals in the rally.

“Our preparations have gone well. The car has passed scrutineering, the team is ready and the mechanics have done a great job. With the machine we have this year, I’m confident we can deliver a good result,” Sheghu said.

Sheghu and Ayuko completed their recce on Wednesday and later tackled the Nawisa shakedown stage on Thursday morning without encountering any problems.

Among the sponsors of their campaign is Farmers Choice, which — from the iconic “Flying Sausage” era to backing a new generation of rally champions — continues its long-standing motorsport story by supporting the duo.

In a statement, the company reaffirmed its role as a nutrition partner to the rally duo, popularly known as the “Queens of the Dust.”

The ceremony marked the start of activities leading to the global rally event scheduled to take place in Naivasha from March 12 to 15, 2026, bringing together top rally drivers, teams and motorsport enthusiasts from around the world.

The firm said its involvement in the rally dates back decades to the era of legendary Kenyan driver Ian Duncan, whose memorable “Flying Sausage” moments became part of Kenya’s rally folklore and helped cement the brand’s place in the country’s motorsport history.

By supporting Sheghu and Ayuko, the firm said it is continuing that legacy while championing resilience, endurance and peak performance — qualities that define both rally sport and the Farmer’s Choice brand.

“The sponsorship reflects the company’s commitment to backing disciplined athletes whose determination and consistency mirror its own focus on quality and strength,” read part of the statement.

As the rally unfolds in Naivasha, Farmer’s Choice says it remains proud to support Kenyan talent competing on the global stage while continuing its mission of providing high-quality, nutritious, safe and traceable meat products that fuel performance both on and off the course.

Other supporters include Kenya Power, the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, KPC and GDC.

The 2026 Safari Rally marks the 74th running of the Safari Rally and is the third round of the 2026 World Rally Championship, the 2026 WRC2 Championship and the 2026 WRC3 Championship.

The famous Safari Rally Kenya enters a new era this year, trading the urban buzz of the capital for a concentrated, high-intensity challenge based exclusively in the Great Rift Valley.

According to WRC, the third round of the season drops its traditional Nairobi start and focuses entirely on the unforgiving terrain surrounding Lake Naivasha.

WRC said the race remains the ultimate test of survival, where wildlife can be as unpredictable as the weather.

“With a refined schedule that packs 20 special stages into four days, the 2026 Safari demands maximum commitment from the very first kilometre,” WRC said.

From the brutal “fesh-fesh” sand of Kedong to the high-speed savannah of Sleeping Warrior, this is where the WRC’s toughest machines are pushed to their absolute breaking point.