Pauline Sheghu: From the studio to the Safari Rally jungle - the fire still rumbles

From commanding the mic, and the boardroom to conquering the rally track, Kenya’s fearless rally icon is breaking barriers, inspiring women, and leaving a legacy of excellence.

In an era where women are expected to choose one lane, Pauline Sheghu refused to settle. She chose three: broadcasting, public leadership, and motorsport - and mastered them all  - with an elegance that feels both effortless and unstoppable.

For more than two decades, Sheghu has been the face and voice that shaped public conversations, the strategist behind national communication reforms, and the fearless rally driver rewriting what Kenyan women can achieve on the track.

She is, quite simply, a woman who does it all - and does it extraordinarily well.

Many Kenyans first met Pauline Sheghu on KBC Channel 1, where her warm delivery and flawless Swahili made her one of the country’s most trusted broadcasters. She wasn’t just reading the news; she was connecting with millions every night, becoming a familiar presence in homes across Kenya.

Leap into public service

After making her mark on radio and television, she transitioned into public service, an arena where her communication skills shone through.

As Chief Officer of Corporate Communications at the Geothermal Development Company (GDC), and later as Director of Communication in the Office of the Cabinet Secretary at the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, she helped sharpen government messaging and craft national narratives around sports, youth empowerment, and the creative industries.

The night that changed everything

Her journey into rallying did not begin with trophies or celebration, but with fear.

One night, heavily pregnant and driving home after producing the evening news, Pauline found herself in a life-threatening encounter. Armed carjackers trailed her along Uhuru Highway, blocked her path, and drew their guns. Heart racing, instinct took over. She accelerated, escaped the attackers, but lost control of her car.

“It strengthened my instincts and taught me courage,” she recalls. “It pushed me back into rallying.” From that moment on, the rally track became her place of power.

From dramatic rollovers to fierce comebacks, Sheghu’s motorsport journey has been defined by grit, grace, and resilience.

She went on to make history as part of an all-women rally crew to compete in both the WRC Safari Rally and the Kenya National Rally Championship, clinching podium finishes in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Her story is not just about speed. It is about discipline, resilience, and the courage to be first.

The power of partnership: Linet Ayuko

Behind every successful rally driver is a co-driver who lives by precision and courage. For Pauline Sheghu, that partner is Linet Ayuko.

“You cannot go far in rallying without a navigator who understands you,” Sheghu says. “Linet has pushed me, believed in me, and sharpened my confidence. She is my super co-driver.”

Their chemistry and determination have become a blueprint for women thriving in high-performance, male-dominated spaces.

Sheghu also stands at the centre of a historic milestone. For the first time, the Government of Kenya- through the Ministry of Sports - sponsored a women’s rally crew for three consecutive years.

“I appreciate the support this government has given us and its belief in women in motorsport,” she says. “We do not take this support for granted. They say knock and it shall be given - and that is exactly what I did. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.”

This backing, combined with progressive corporate partnerships, has helped reshape the future of women in motorsport, placing Kenya at the forefront of gender-inclusive racing.

WRC Safari Rally 2026: A call for partnership

As the countdown to the WRC Safari Rally 2026 begins, Sheghu is opening doors to new sponsors from both the corporate and public sectors. Rallying, she notes, is an expensive sport.

“I’m appealing for support from well-wishers,” she says. “We rally for the love of the sport, the love of our country, and -most importantly -to inspire more women to take part in this unique discipline.”

“We are deeply grateful to those who have walked with us so far,” she adds. “As we prepare for WRC Safari Rally 2026, we welcome partners who believe in inclusivity, excellence, visibility, and legacy. Together, we can elevate Kenya on the global stage.”

Beyond the track and the trophies, Pauline Sheghu remains grounded in what matters the most: her family. She speaks warmly of her son and her mother, whose unwavering prayers have sustained her through triumphs and challenges alike. She also acknowledges Kenya’s media fraternity for continuing to spotlight her journey and the evolving role of women in motorsport.

Pauline Sheghu’s medals haul at a glance

Her excellence has earned her some of the nation’s highest distinctions:

• Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW)

• National Heroes Award