How Rwandan crews are faring at WRC Safari Rally 2026

Among them, two crews are competing in the ARC2 category of the African Rally Championship (ARC), while one crew is taking part in the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC).

The four-day rally counts simultaneously toward the World Rally Championship (WRC), the African Rally Championship, and the Kenyan national championship, with competitors contesting different categories within the same event.

Some of the drivers **representing Rwanda at the WRC Safari Rally 2026** in Kenya.

Strong early showing

After the opening two stages, Kanangire Christian and Giancarlo Davite were placed 21st overall out of 40 competing cars, a result that positioned the Rwandan representatives well heading into the following stages.

In the ARC2 category, Giancarlo Davite, driving a Subaru Impreza WRX STi 4D alongside co-driver Yoto Fabrice, ended Friday’s action in first place. They were closely followed by fellow Rwandan crew Kanangire Christian and Shyaka Kevin, also competing in a Subaru Impreza WRX STi.

The WRC Safari Rally is among the world’s most prominent motorsport events.

Positions shift on Saturday

However, results from the Saturday stages (March 14) saw both crews lose ground. Kanangire Christian and Shyaka Kevin fell to third place in the ARC2 standings, while Giancarlo Davite and Yoto Fabrice dropped to seventh, the last position in the category.

The two Rwandan crews now trail Oscar Ntambi of Uganda and Evans Nzioka of Kenya in the ARC2 classification.

In the overall African competitors’ standings, Kanangire and Shyaka currently sit ninth, while Davite and Yoto occupy 17th place.

Three Rwandan crews remain in the rally.

Kalimpinya moves to Kenyan championship category

On the first day of the rally, the car driven by Queen Kalimpinya and Ngabo Olivier, a Subaru Impreza WRX STi, was excluded from the African Rally Championship classification after failing to meet certain technical requirements, particularly regarding the fuel tank installation.

As a result, the crew continued their participation under the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) category, where they are currently sixth with their Subaru Impreza WRX STi 4D R4.

Another Rwandan entry, driven by Gakwaya Jean Claude and Mugabo Jean Claude, retired from the rally before completing any stage.

Kanangire Christian is faring well in the ARC2 category of the African Rally Championship.

Overall rally standings

In the overall rally standings, the event is currently led by Takamoto Katsuta of Japan, alongside Irish co-driver Aaron Johnston, driving a Toyota GR Yaris, with a total elapsed time of 2 hours and 41 minutes.

The final day of the rally, scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2026, will feature four stages covering a total distance of 57.1 kilometres.