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Changes hit Safari Rally 2026 as CEO Charles Gacheru is reassigned
24th February, 2026 04:13 PM
Changes have hit the Safari Rally 2026 after the government reassigned the WRC Safari Rally Chief Executive Officer and the project secretariat back to the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said the changes were made through the Ministry of Sports. He said the move affects CEO Charles Gacheru and other officials who were serving under the WRC Safari Rally Project Secretariat.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, Mvurya said the CEO and the secretariat will now serve under the ministry until the end of their contracts.
The statement reads, “Subsequently, the CEO, duly gazetted and seconded officers serving in the WRC Safari Rally Project Secretariat, as well as those with ongoing contractual engagements, will be reassigned back into the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports to serve until the conclusion of their respective contractual terms.”
The statement explained that the reassignment covers officers who were seconded to the rally project and those with ongoing contracts. The changes affect how the rally team is placed within government structures. Mvurya said the officials will continue serving until their contract terms come to an end.
Changes in rally leadership
Gacheru was appointed CEO of the WRC Safari Rally Kenya in February 2024. He was given the task to lead the planning, organisation, and commercialisation of the rally. His role was to guide the work around how the event is prepared and delivered.
Part of his work focused on improving how the event is run. This included managing logistics and helping to secure the rally’s global status. The work also covered plans for new routes and a rally village for the 2026 edition.
The statement closed with an invitation to the rally in Naivasha.
Mvurya said, “Finally, I once again invite Kenyans and motorsport fans from across the world to join us in Naivasha for a bigger, better, and more electrifying rally event that continues to redefine Kenya’s sporting excellence and global stature.”
Strategic partnership
With the CEO working under the ministry, CS Mvurya further confirmed the sealing of a strategic partnership deal under which the government bears the financial burden of bankrolling the WRC Safari Rally event.
Under the new arrangement, the private sector will play an integral role in supporting the race, which will be staged in the rugged terrain in Naivasha from March 12 to 15, 2026.
