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Arusha. The reigning champions from various parts of the region have gathered in Tanzania before the Guru Nanak–Mkwawa Rally, creating anticipation for a intense competition at the Makuyuni track in Monduli District on January 25, 2026.

Hosted by the Arusha Motorsports Club (AMC), the event signifies the resurgence of high-level rallying in Arusha following a two-year hiatus, with the previous competition taking place in 2024.

The event has attracted a robust international competition, highlighting its increasing significance in East African motorsport.

Kenya’s Samman Vohra heads the international group, participating in the sole Skoda Fabia Evo competing in the rally. The vehicle, which triumphed at the 2025 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally, will be piloted by Vohra with British co-driver Drew Sturrock.

Blocking their way are the current Arusha Guru Nanak Rally champions, the Asas Racing Team. Driver Randeep Birdi, based in Dar es Salaam, is back to protect his 2024 title, once more joined by co-driver Manmeet Birdi in their Ford Pronto.

The rivalry becomes even more fierce with the inclusion of two more Kenyan teams: Jasmeet Chana and Ravi Chana driving a Ford Fiesta R5, and Sameer Nanji alongside Suraj Pala in a Subaru Impreza GC8.

The 2026 version also holds historical importance due to Monica Lyimo’s involvement, the sole female navigator in the race. Lyimo, who serves as the Secretary of the Arusha Motorsports Club, is taking part in a Mitsubishi Evo driven by Kartic Valambia from Morogoro.

Seventeen vehicles will participate in the rally across a challenging 145-kilometre route, solidifying its status as one of the leading motorsport competitions in East Africa this year.

The head of communications at AMC, Janet Lyatuu, stated that the event was initially planned for 2025 but was delayed to accommodate Tanzania’s General Elections in October. She noted that featuring the Mkwawa name this year is part of the event’s title sponsorship, even though Mkwawa is typically linked with the heritage of Iringa’s rally.

The event is supported by various partners such as Azam Media, NSK Hospital, the Sikh Union, A-to-Z Textiles, and Milkha Singh. The VETA campus in Makuyuni will act as the official service park, while the competing teams will gather at the Sikh Union Club in Arusha before the race begins.

Subaru is at the forefront with six cars in the competition, primarily Impreza models, while Mitsubishi comes next with three vehicles. A single Toyota Yaris, locally referred to as the Vitz, will be piloted by Ahmed Huwel and Rahim Suleiman as part of the Mkwawa Rally Team.

Organisers believe the Guru Nanak–Mkwawa Rally will boost motorsport tourism, enhance regional sports connections, and revive Arusha’s status as a key location for international rally events.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).