Kenya’s Samman focused on growth in Pearl Rally debut

Kenyan rally driver Samman Vohra is set to expand his rallying experience as he embarks on his Africa Rally Championship (ARC) campaign, starting with the Pearl of Africa Rally in Western Uganda.

This marks Vohra’s first competitive rally outside Kenya. Currently third in the ARC standings with 36 points after the season opener in Nairobi last March, the Kenyan champion sees the event as a crucial step in his development.

Driving a Skoda Fabia Evo Rally2, Vohra will battle for ARC points against fellow Kenyan Karan Patel and Uganda’s Yasin Nasser. The Pearl Rally will be his ninth career event, offering a fresh challenge on unfamiliar terrain.

“This is our first time rallying on foreign soil, so our approach is to take it easy—understand the surfaces and terrain, then build confidence stage by stage. The main goal is to find a good rhythm early on,” said Vohra.

Ugandan rallies are known for their unique challenges, and Vohra is eager to carve out his own success story. Guiding him through the stages will be three-time ARC champion co-driver Drew Sturrock.

The event kicks off on Thursday, May 8, with a qualifying stage and shakedown. Competitive action begins Friday, featuring three stages—including a super special stage at Rukaari Resort—across a total distance of 188.33km. The rally concludes after three days of intense racing.