Ugandan motorsport sensation Oscar Ntambi has touched down in Kenya, launching an aggressive testing campaign at Stoni Athi as he prepares to tackle the grueling World Rally Championship Safari Rally.

The unmistakable roar of a Mitsubishi Evo X Ralliart shattered the quiet of Stoni Athi this weekend. Behind the wheel was Ugandan speedster Oscar Ntambi, launching his final assault preparations for the legendary Safari Rally.

Ntambi's entry into the WRC Safari Rally is more than just a personal ambition; it represents the rising competitive clout of East African drivers on the global motorsport stage. Navigating the treacherous Naivasha terrain requires a synthesis of world-class engineering, immense financial backing, and raw talent—a crucible that separates regional hopefuls from international legends.

The Stoni Athi Shakedown

Arriving in Kenya well ahead of the March 12-15 main event, Ntambi wasted no time putting his machine through its paces. He conducted an extensive and punishing testing session alongside Kenyan driving ace Nikhil Sachania. The focus of the Stoni Athi shakedown was clear: perfecting the suspension setup, guaranteeing durability, and finding the raw pace needed to survive what is universally acknowledged as the toughest event on the global calendar.

"This is a special rally for every driver in Africa and beyond. Flying in to test at Stoni Athi was important because Safari is unique; you must prepare for everything," an elated Ntambi shared, radiating confidence after fine-tuning his vehicle's aerodynamics and shock absorbers to handle the brutal Kenyan gravel.

The Safari Rally Crucible

The 2026 iteration of the Safari Rally marks the third leg of the prestigious World Rally Championship global circuit. This year, the stakes are astronomically high. The event has attracted over 40 elite crews from across the globe, all vying to conquer the legendary dust and mud of the Great Rift Valley.

Organizers have introduced fresh complexities to the route, featuring 20 competitive stages that cover more than 350 kilometers of punishing rally distance. The new stages are specifically designed to test the mental fortitude and physical endurance of the drivers, ensuring that the Safari Rally retains its fearsome, unpredictable reputation.

A Cross-Border Motorsport Rivalry

Ntambi will not be navigating this gauntlet alone. He is joined by his long-time co-driver, Muhamadi Uthumaan, cementing a partnership that has been refining its chemistry since 2018. Their seamless communication inside the cockpit will be vital when hurtling through the blinding Naivasha "fesh-fesh" dust at speeds exceeding 150 km/h.

"It is a dream come true to line up for the Safari Rally," Uthumaan stated. "Our focus is to stay consistent, manage the car carefully, and finish strong." Ntambi is also bolstering his campaign with formidable backing, racing as part of the elite five-driver KCB Racing Team lineup, which includes two-time African champion Karan Patel and Rwanda's Queen Kalimpinya.

Economic Impact of the WRC

• Tourism Surge: The influx of international crews and thousands of fans injects an estimated $38m (approx. KES 4.9bn) into the local Naivasha economy.
• Hospitality Boom: Hotels, lodges, and campsites within a 50km radius of the rally routes report 100% occupancy rates weeks in advance.
• Global Broadcast: The event showcases Kenya's stunning landscapes to an audience of over 800 million global television viewers.
• Local Employment: The rally creates thousands of temporary jobs, from event marshals to local mechanics and vendors.

Redefining the African Explorer

As the countdown to the flag-off accelerates, the pressure on regional drivers to perform against heavily funded European factory teams is immense. For Ntambi, the goal extends beyond merely finishing the race. It is about proving that East African engineering and driving talent can hold their own against the world's best. The dust is settling at Stoni Athi, but the real battle in Naivasha is just about to ignite.