Naivasha, Kenya, is currently abuzz with activity as it hosts the 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally, drawing thousands of motorsport enthusiasts from across East Africa and beyond.
The event, which commenced on March 20 and concludes on March 23, has transformed the town into a vibrant hub of tourism and commerce. Naivasha Safari Rally is something everyone psyches up for each year.
Local hoteliers and tourism stakeholders are experiencing a significant economic boost, with accommodations fully booked and businesses thriving due to the influx of visitors. This surge has prompted calls for the Kenyan government to extend the country’s hosting rights for the WRC Safari Rally beyond 2026, emphasizing the event’s substantial economic impact on the region.
On the competitive front, Toyota’s Elfyn Evans has maintained a strong lead after Day 3 of the rally, positioning himself favorably as the event approaches its final stages. The rally has been broadcast to a global audience, with over 120 million viewers across 70 countries tuning in, highlighting the event’s international appeal.
In addition to the rally, Lake Naivasha faces environmental challenges due to the invasive water hyacinth, which threatens the livelihoods of local fishermen by hindering fishing activities and reducing fish populations. Innovative solutions, such as converting the hyacinth into biodegradable packaging, are being explored to address this issue.
Overall, the 2025 WRC Safari Rally has not only provided thrilling motorsport action but also significantly boosted Naivasha’s economy, underscoring the event’s importance to the region.
