As the engines roar to life on Day One of the WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2026, Kenya’s pioneering female rally driver Pauline Sheghu and her co-driver Linet Ayuko have declared themselves fully prepared to tackle the legendary event’s unforgiving gravel stages.
Speaking from the service park in Naivasha on Thursday, March 12, Sheghu exuded confidence in the team’s upgraded setup. Competing under their banner “Queens of the Dust” in a Subaru Impreza WRX STi (NAT NR4/ARC2 category), the duo has completed thorough recce, passed scrutineering, and benefited from strong mechanical support.
“I am prepared spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally. I have done all the recces, and today is D-Day,” Sheghu said. “I want to appreciate all my sponsors, including Kenya Power, for their support. Everything is set: you can see the setup, my mechanics, the scrutineering has just passed, and everything is ready. With this good machine, I am confident I will deliver.”
This marks Sheghu’s fifth appearance at the WRC-level Safari Rally, where she aims to maintain her impressive 100% finish record since entering the top-tier event in 2023. The all-female Kenyan team has become a symbol of resilience and inspiration in a male-dominated sport, drawing from Sheghu’s background as a former journalist and communication expert who turned to rallying after a personal carjacking experience that ignited her passion for the sport.
The 2026 edition, running from March 12–15, features a revamped Naivasha-focused itinerary without the traditional Nairobi start, emphasizing the brutal Rift Valley terrain known for its rocks, dust, and unpredictable conditions. As one of the few women competing at this elite level, Sheghu is not just racing for position, she’s racing to inspire future generations and prove that barriers in motorsport can be broken.
Fans across Kenya are urged to rally behind Pauline and Linet as they chase a strong performance and potential class glory. With the shakedown already underway and competitive stages kicking off, the “Queens of the Dust” are set to roar through the dust clouds once again
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