By Eddah Waithaka
Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) has thrown its weight behind the 2026 WRC Safari Rally Kenya with a Kes 5.1 million sponsorship package that includes a three-car team and direct driver support.
The state-owned power generator unveiled its driver line-up on Tuesday, featuring Ismail Azeli and John Ngugi in a Ford Fiesta R5, Andrew Muiruri and Edward Njoroge in a Subaru N12, and the all-Rwandan crew of Queen Kalimpinya and Olivier Ngabo.
KenGen announced a combined driver support package of Kes 2.1 million, with an additional Kes 3 million going directly to the WRC Safari Rally organisers.
Kalimpinya, the 2017 Miss Rwanda third runner-up, receives Kes 1 million, Azeli gets Kes 600,000, and Muiruri pockets Kes 500,000.
Speaking during the launch, KenGen Managing Director and CEO Eng. Peter Njenga emphasised the company’s long-term commitment to powering world-class events sustainably.
“Today, we have also formalized our support for rally drivers Azeli Ishmael and Andrew Muiruri. Supporting local drivers is not symbolic, it is strategic. We are investing in Kenyan talent and reinforcing our country’s competitive presence on the world stage,” said Njenga.
“Additionally, KenGen is supporting Queen Kalimpinya from Rwanda. This partnership aligns with the Company’s business diversification agenda, particularly in advancing geothermal development and strengthening strategic presence across the African continent.”
Kalimpinya, a career merchandiser and reigning Rwanda National Rally champion, will tackle her first rally outside her home country.
The trailblazing driver, who transitioned from modelling to motorsport after finishing as Miss Rwanda third runner-up in 2017, secured victory as the 2025 Rwanda National Rally Champion.
“I am very excited to do my first rally outside Rwanda. I mean, it’s huge but we are confident we will make it,” Kalimpinya said. “We have tested in Rwanda and did lots of physical training well in time for the safari. The car is well prepared, of course with people who are conversant with the dynamics of safari.”
Muiruri, who brings local experience to the team, shared his enthusiasm: “I have participated in all safaris since the return of the WRC in 2021 and had a share of good runs and gremlins, the best being last year when we came 5th in the Kenya National category and first in our class.”
Njenga underscored that motorsport demands resilience, precision and endurance, “the same qualities that define KenGen’s operations.”
“Building on the success of our last year’s partnerships, our 2026 WRC partnerships represent a significant expansion of KenGen’s green energy footprint across the continent and indeed the entire rally value chain, spanning sport, luxury hospitality, adventure tourism, and multimedia amplification,” highlighted Njenga.”
The WRC Safari Rally remains one of the most globally visible platforms for Kenya. It attracts millions of viewers and generates significant economic value.
While noting the World Rally Championship offers Kenya a platform to showcase its tourism, Njenga said it also counts as an opportunity for the country to exhibit its picturesque beauty.
“To us at KenGen, the WRC Safari Rally is more than a race, it is a playground where we showcase Kenya’s innovation, resilience and extraordinary natural beauty. Today, we have deepened our commitment to this iconic event by partnering across the entire value chain: from drivers and world-class hospitality to media and immersive tourism,” said Njenga.
The 2026 WRC Safari Rally Kenya takes place in Naivasha from March 12-15. Eighteen Kenyan drivers will compete among the 46 crews, with the event also serving as the first round of the Kenya National Rally Championship.Toyota Gazoo’s Elfyn Evans will seek to extend Toyota’s dominance of Safari Rally as the Welshman aims to defend his title.
