Rally driver Pauline Sheghu and her navigator Linnet Ayuko are revved up ahead of the 2026 WRC Safari Rally scheduled March 12-15th in Naivasha.
The duo’s preparations for the rally, considered to be the toughest event on the WRC calendar, got a boost after receiving support from Ministry of Energy.
Sheghu, alongside her navigator Linet Ayuko of Kenya Pipeline Corporation, competing under their new banner of ‘Queen of the Dust’, was officially flagged off by Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, in the company of Principal Secretary Alex Wachira and chief executives from across the energy sector, to represent the industry at the 2026 WRC Safari Rally, one of the toughest and most prestigious rounds of the World Rally Championship calendar.
For Pauline, this marks her fourth time competing in the grueling Safari Rally, underscoring her growing experience and determination in a sport long dominated by men. Driving a Subaru GVB, the Queen of the Dust crew heads into this year’s edition with renewed confidence and strong institutional backing.
The energy family has collectively mobilized KSh 8.8 million towards her campaign with Kenya Pipeline Company,KPC, presenting a KSh 500,000 sponsorship to navigator and KPC staff member Linet Ayuko.
“The sponsorship underscores KPC’s continued commitment to empowering talent within the organisation while actively supporting global sporting events hosted in Kenya. By backing Ms. Ayuko’s participation, the Company reaffirms its belief in nurturing excellence, teamwork, resilience and ambition among its employees.
The duo also received support from beverage giants Kevian Kenya Limited and Farmers’ Choice who donated KSH 1M and KSH 100,000 respectively taking the total to KSH 9.85m.
The duo announced that their doors are open for more financial support as they gear up for this year’s African Rally Championship in Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda.
