Kenyan rally drivers had a difficult time at the 2026 Safari Rally Kenya as the rough terrain around Naivasha once again proved how demanding the event can be for both drivers and their machines.
The rally, known for its rocky roads, dust, and unpredictable conditions, pushed many competitors to their limits during the challenging stages.
Two-time African rally champion Karan Patel, together with his navigator Tauseef Khan, managed to complete the rally with a respectable result in the WRC2 category. Driving a Škoda Fabia, the Kenyan crew finished seventh in the category after recording a total time of 4:26:54.7. Despite the tough stages, Patel and Khan maintained steady progress throughout the rally to secure their position among the top finishers in WRC2.
Another Kenyan team, Aakif Virani and co-driver Zahir Shah, followed closely behind in eighth place in the same category. The pair completed the rally with a total time of 4:43:06.7 after navigating the difficult stages that tested many drivers during the competition.
The results placed the two Kenyan crews 17th and 18th overall in the rally standings. While the positions were outside the top places overall, their ability to finish the demanding event reflected the resilience needed to compete in the Safari Rally.
In the WRC2 category, Estonia’s Robert Virves claimed victory during his first appearance at the Safari Rally. Virves completed the rally with an overall time of 3:27:44.3. Britain’s Gus Greensmith finished second after trailing Virves by 30.3 seconds in a close battle for the category win.
Paraguay’s Fau Zaldívar secured the third position on the WRC2 podium, finishing ahead of Norway’s Andreas Mikkelsen.
Meanwhile, the rally ended in disappointment for top Kenyan female driver Pauline Sheghu and her navigator Linet Ayuko. The pair were forced to withdraw from the competition after their car was vandalised by spectators near the Eburu stage on Saturday.
Their windscreen and side window were smashed by children shortly after the rally action passed through the area, making it impossible for them to continue safely.
“It is very painful and unfortunate that we cannot finish today’s rally because of the reckless actions of some kids who broke our windscreen and side windows,” said an emotional Sheghu.
“What was supposed to be a beautiful rally for us has ended in tears.”
Sheghu and Ayuko have been regular participants in the Safari Rally since 2021 and have continued to encourage more women to take part in the sport, which has traditionally been dominated by men.
