The formidable female rallying duo of Pauline Sheghu and Linet Ayuko are set to conquer the WRC Safari Rally in a newly acquired Subaru GBV.

The punishing, unpredictable gravel of Naivasha awaits as Pauline Sheghu and Linet Ayuko prepare for a defining chapter in their illustrious motorsport careers. Armed with a significantly faster machine and an unyielding, fierce ambition, the female rally duo is poised to dominate the unforgiving terrain of the upcoming WRC Safari Rally.

Their participation transcends the mere thrill of speed; it is a monumental, barrier-breaking stride for women in a traditionally, heavily male-dominated sport. By mapping out an ambitious programme to enter all three major competitions—the Safari Rally, the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC), and the African Rally Championship (ARC)—they are actively paving a dusty, glorious path for the next generation of female drivers across the African continent.

Upgrading to the Subaru GBV

To mount a credible assault on the continent's most demanding rally circuits, Sheghu and Ayuko recognised the absolute necessity of superior engineering. This year, the duo will strap into a new, formidable beast: the Subaru GBV. Procured from a motorsport associate in neighbouring Uganda, the vehicle represents a massive technological leap from their previous rides, fundamentally altering their competitive prospects.

For years, the pair have been climbing the ranks through sheer skill, initially driving the Subaru N10 before graduating to the Subaru N12. The transition to the GBV, which Sheghu excitedly notes is "three times faster than the previous ones," underscores their relentless pursuit of growth. The car is scheduled for rigorous testing in Uganda before being unleashed on the treacherous Naivasha landscape from March 12 to 15, 2026.

Navigating the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally requires a machine that can withstand brutal fesh-fesh (soft volcanic dust), rocky outcrops, and sudden, severe weather changes. The Subaru GBV is renowned for its robust suspension and aggressive power delivery, offering the "Queens of the Dust" a genuine fighting chance to not just survive, but actively compete for podium finishes in their respective categories.

Institutional Backing and Corporate Appeals

The financial and logistical demands of running a full ARC and WRC campaign are staggering. Recognising their immense potential and inspirational value, the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has officially thrown its weight behind the duo. Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi publicly commended the pair, dubbing them the ministry's heroines and a prime hub for national motorsport prowess.

This high-level institutional endorsement guarantees crucial logistical support, ensuring the team can fly the Kenyan flag high. Operating officially under the banner "Queens of the Dust," the endorsement provides a vital platform for the team to solicit further corporate sponsorships. Ayuko has strategically opened the door for private sector backing, noting that sustained continental success requires deep, reliable financial reservoirs.

• The WRC Safari Rally is scheduled to take place in Naivasha from March 12-15, 2026.
• The duo will compete in the WRC Safari, the KNRC, and the comprehensive ARC circuit.
• They have upgraded to a Subaru GBV, reputed to be three times faster than their previous N12.
• The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has pledged unequivocal institutional backing.
• The team officially campaigns under the highly marketable banner "Queens of the Dust."

Redefining the African Rally Scene

The story of Sheghu and Ayuko is deeply woven into the modern renaissance of African motorsport. For Sheghu, committing to the full African Rally Championship circuit marks entirely new, uncharted territory. The physical and mental endurance required to race across diverse African terrains—from the mud of Rwanda to the savannahs of Tanzania—is a challenge that only the most elite drivers dare undertake.

Their ambition acts as a powerful catalyst for gender equality within the high-octane world of rallying. By demanding space on the starting grid of the continent's toughest races, they dismantle long-held stereotypes regarding female capability in extreme endurance sports. Their journey is being closely monitored by young female karting and rally enthusiasts who now see a tangible pathway to the WRC.

As the countdown to the Naivasha showdown ticks away, the focus shifts to the intense preparatory work. The meticulous route pacing, the mechanical fine-tuning, and the physical conditioning are all in high gear. When the green flag drops, the Queens of the Dust will not just be racing the clock; they will be racing to etch their names permanently into the bedrock of African motorsport history.