Rwandan Rally Team Officially Dispatched for Safari Rally Kenya 2026
By Mwambazi Lawrence
Yesterday Rwanda officially unveiled and flagged off its national rally team ahead of the 2026 WRC Safari Rally Kenya, set to take place from 12th to 15th March in Naivasha. The ceremony, held in a celebratory yet determined atmosphere, brought together government officials, motorsport leaders, and rally fans to send off four crews tasked with representing the country on one of the most demanding rallies on the global calendar.
Headlining the delegation is reigning Rwanda National Rally Champion Queen Kalimpinya, who will once again be partnered with co-driver Olivier Ngabo. The pair arrives with fresh motivation after upgrading from their beloved Subaru Impreza GC8 to a fully rebuilt Subaru Impreza GVB. Having already completed extensive practice in the new car, Kalimpinya and Ngabo believe the improved pace and durability of the GVB will give them a stronger platform to tackle the punishing Safari Rally stages.
The experienced pairing of Giancarlo Davite and Yoto Fabrice also joins the Rwandan charge in a Subaru Impreza GVB, marking a switch from the Mitsubishi Evo X previously campaigned by Davite. With several Safari Rally appearances under his belt, Davite’s knowledge of the event’s terrain and ever-changing weather conditions positions him as a natural leader for Team Rwanda. His experience is expected to play a key role both on the stages and in guiding fellow countrymen through the rally’s challenges.
Rising star Christian Kanangire, navigated by Kevin Mujiji, represents Rwanda’s youthful promise as the crew transitions from a Subaru Impreza N12 to a more competitive Subaru Impreza GVB. Kanangire, is regarded as one of Rwanda’s quickest drivers, faces a major milestone with his first rally appearance outside national borders. Armed with upgraded machinery and growing belief, the young driver is eager to prove his pace while flying Rwanda’s flag on the international stage.
Completing the four-crew lineup is Jean Gakwaya and co-driver Claude Mugabo, who were also officially flagged off after preparing a new Mitsubishi Evo X for the event. The switch in machinery signals the crew’s ambition to step up their competitiveness as they prepare to battle both regional rivals and world-class competitors.
During the send-off ceremony, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Sports, Rwego Ngarambe, formally handed over the national flag to the crews as a sign of the country’s support and trust in the team. The gesture brought out Rwanda’s growing investment in motorsport as a platform for national pride and international exposure.
Speaking at the event, Rwandan Motor Sports Federation President Christian Gakwaya welcomed the continued backing from government authorities and urged the crews to represent Rwanda with pride and determination. He emphasized that the participation forms part of the federation’s 2025–2029 strategic roadmap, which aims to strengthen Rwanda’s presence and competitiveness in international rallying. Gakwaya challenged the drivers and co-drivers to perform in line with national expectations while gaining valuable experience from the legendary Safari Rally.
Rwanda’s quartet departs with optimism, upgraded cars, and a shared mission to endure the Safari’s unforgiving terrain. For the crews, the journey is not only about results but also about showcasing Rwanda’s rising motorsport potential on one of rallying’s most iconic stages.
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