- Leading online gaming firm SportPesa hailed as a saviour of the WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2026.
- SportPesa is among the key sponsors for this sixth and final year of the rally under the World Rally Championship banner since the iconic event made its return in 2021.
- Safari Rally CEO Carl Tundo reserved special praise for SportPesa, crediting the brand for stepping in at a crucial moment ahead of the March 12–15 event.
With just hours to go before the WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2026 kicks off, leading online gaming firm SportPesa has earned massive praise from WRC Safari Rally 2026 Chief Executive Officer Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo who hailed the brand as a saviour for the four-day global event.
SportPesa is among the top sponsors of this year’s rally which marks the third stop of the 14-legged 2026 World Rally Championship season following stops in Monte Carlo (January 22–25) and Rally Sweden (February 12–15).
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Speaking to the media on Wednesday after conducting the final inspection of the Safari Rally Service Park and other installations set to be used for this year’s rally, the newly appointed CEO responded to questions regarding the event’s finances.
Tundo confirmed the organisers have adequate funding, assuring that everything necessary will be done to deliver a successful rally.
We have enough money. I won’t give you the final spend figure, but through the support of the sponsors, we are well-covered. The goal is to remain professional, streamline the event and deliver everything to the satisfaction of everyone,” Tundo explained.
Tundo praises SportPesa for crucial support ahead of WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2026
Tundo, a five-time winner of the Safari Rally during its Africa Rally Championship days, made sure to acknowledge the sponsors who have stepped up to back the global motorsport showcase.
He reserved special praise for SportPesa, crediting the brand for stepping in at a crucial time.
We have the title sponsor KCB, who have supported us throughout. They have supported us for the six years. We have Kenya Airways, Safaricom have come through and supported us in a major way.
But huge thanks, and my main thanks, goes to SportPesa who have in my mind kind of rescued the shortfall that was needed to pull this event off and we should all be grateful for that,” he noted.
This wave of corporate support follows the Kenyan government’s recent restructuring of the 2026 WRC Safari Rally’s organisational framework, allowing private sponsors to take on a more hands-on role.
Through the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, the government noted that the new structure is aimed at reducing the financial strain of hosting the rally while safeguarding Kenya’s spot on the global motorsport calendar.
Under this revised approach, businesses that have historically funded the bulk of the event will now be more involved in day-to-day decisions, especially around budgeting and delivery.
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On the same day, the Principal Secretary for Sports, Elijah Mwangi, revealed that Kenya is on the verge of securing a new five-year contract with the WRC Promoter, which runs the championship on behalf of the governing body, FIA, to keep the Safari Rally on the WRC calendar.
However, beginning in 2026, the organisation of the Safari Rally will operate as a partnership between the public and private sectors.
The government has put in funds and provided the necessary environment for this to happen, including this facility (WRTI), which is government-owned.
We paid the promoter and FIA fees, and took care of other essentials like security and marshals.
Then the corporates stepped in with their expertise, offering services and event management, and handling the finer details of the Safari Rally,” Mwangi explained.
Beyond sponsorship, SportPesa is also returning to the motorsport scene competitively and will field drivers Leonardo Varese and his long-time navigator Kigo Kareithi.
The duo is buzzing ahead of their Safari Rally debut since the event regained WRC status six years ago, and will pilot the impressive Toyota GR Yaris Rally3.
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Action at the 2026 WRC Safari Rally gets underway with the Shakedown at the brand new 6.31km Nawisa stage on Thursday from 8:00 am EAT.
The cars will then return to WRTI for the ceremonial start at the event’s Service Park at 3:00 pm EAT.
From there, crews will tackle the opening two competitive stages: Camp Moran 1 (24.35km) and Mzabibu 1 (8.86km), offering an early taste of what this year’s rally has in store.
Spectators and media will be granted access to all three opening stages.
