Pauline Sheghu, the media personality turned rally ace, is shifting gears. After conquering the "fesh fesh" of Naivasha, she now has her sights set on the continental stage.

The celebrated news anchor has declared her intention to step up her game in 2026, targeting the African Rally Championship (ARC) circuit with events in Rwanda and Tanzania on her radar. Sheghu, who made history as part of the first all-female crew sponsored by the Kenyan government, is determined to prove that her 13th place finish in the KNRC category of the Safari Rally was not a fluke, but the start of a dynasty.

"We rally for the love of the sport, the love of our country, and most importantly, to inspire more women to take part in this unique discipline," Sheghu said. Her journey from the air-conditioned TV studio to the suffocating dust of the Safari Rally has become a symbol of resilience. Behind the wheel of her Subaru N10, navigated by the experienced Linet Ayuko, Sheghu has earned the respect of a male-dominated paddock.

Breaking the Financial Barrier

However, ambition runs on fuel and money. Motorsport is notoriously expensive, and Sheghu is candid about the need for support. As she prepares for the 2026 WRC Safari Rally and the ARC, she has opened her doors to corporate partners. "I'm appealing for support from well-wishers," she stated, noting that the government's initial backing was crucial in getting her off the starting ramp.

Her call to action is not just about branding a car; it is about investing in "inclusivity, excellence, and visibility." Sheghu sees herself as a pathfinder for other women who want to break into the sport. "If you don't ask, you don't get," she quipped, embodying the aggressive spirit needed to survive in rallying.

The Road Ahead

The 2026 season promises to be grueling. The Safari Rally is expected to return to its traditional Easter dates or retain its June slot (subject to FIA confirmation), bringing mud and mayhem. For Sheghu, the goal is simple: finish, and finish well. Her chemistry with navigator Linet Ayuko is her secret weapon. "We gelled quite well as a team," she noted. In a sport where a split-second misunderstanding can end in a ditch, that bond is priceless.

• The Car: A Subaru N10, a rugged machine capable of handling the African terrain.
• The Mission: To compete in the ARC and the WRC Safari Rally 2026.
• The Impact: Inspiring the next generation of female drivers in East Africa.

Pauline Sheghu has already proven she can talk the talk on national television. Now, she is proving she can drive the drive, leaving a trail of dust and shattered glass ceilings in her wake.