As the engines roar to life for the legendary WRC Safari Rally Kenya, one name steadily rising in African motorsports is that of Queen Kalimpinya. The Rwandan rally driver continues to carve her place in the sport, competing in local, regional, and now international events with a determination that reflects both resilience and ambition.
Born and raised in Kigali, Queen describes her childhood as energetic and adventurous. Growing up in a lively neighbourhood filled with children, she spent much of her time outdoors playing games. She often joined her older brother and his friends in activities such as football and bicycle tricks, experiences that shaped her competitive spirit and willingness to try new things.
Before motorsports entered her life, Queen had already stepped into the public spotlight through the beauty pageant world. After high school, she competed in the prestigious Miss Rwanda pageant, where she emerged as the 3rd Runner-Up in 2017. The experience, she says, was transformative. Beyond beauty, the platform emphasised intelligence, culture, and social responsibility. During this time, she also worked with several organisations on community initiatives focused on empowering women, teenagers, and children while continuing her studies.
Her journey into motorsports, however, began almost by chance. What started as curiosity quickly evolved into passion as she discovered the thrill and challenge of rallying. “At first, it was simply about trying something new and having fun,” she recalls. “But the more I learned about the sport and experienced the adrenaline of rallying, the more determined I became to pursue it seriously.”
Like many rally drivers, Queen’s path was not without setbacks. Her first rally ended in disappointment after a mechanical failure forced her team to finish last. Instead of walking away from the sport, she used the experience as motivation to improve. Through preparation, learning, and persistence, her performances steadily improved.
Initially competing as a co-driver, Queen began securing podium finishes before eventually making the bold transition into the driver’s seat. Even then, her debut rally as a driver also ended with mechanical challenges. Yet the setbacks only strengthened her resolve.
Her determination paid off in the following seasons as podium finishes became more frequent. Today, Queen proudly holds the title of defending champion in the Rwanda National Rally Championship, a milestone that reflects years of discipline, perseverance, and teamwork.
Until now, most of Queen’s rallying experience has been within Rwanda’s national championship circuit. That is about to change as she prepares for her first international competition at the iconic Safari Rally Kenya, one of the toughest and most historic events on the global rally calendar.
The opportunity comes through the KCB Racing Team, a platform that has supported several drivers competing in the rally. For Queen, the call to join the team was both emotional and inspiring.
“When I received the call, I honestly couldn’t believe it,” she says. “Competing in the Safari Rally and other international events has always been a dream. Motorsport requires significant financial resources, and opportunities like this don’t come easily. Thanks to KCB Racing Team, that dream is beginning to take shape.”
For the rally, Queen will be partnered with her long-time co-driver, Olivier Ngabo. Ngabo is an experienced co-driver, a professional mechanic, and a mechanical engineering specialist with a strong background in transportation and car hire services. His credentials include being part of the 2025 Rwanda National Rally Championship-winning crew and winning Best Co-Driver of the Year in 2019.
The pair have worked together for three years, building trust and rhythm, an essential factor in rallying, where precise communication between driver and co-driver can determine success or failure.
For the upcoming rally, the team has upgraded their machine from a Subaru GC8 to a more advanced Subaru Impreza WRX STI GVB. According to Queen, the car has undergone extensive testing across different terrains to ensure it is ready for the demanding rally stages.
“The car feels great, and the team has worked extremely hard on the preparation,” she says. “We believe it is ready for the challenge ahead.”
As a first-time participant in the Safari Rally, Queen’s immediate goal is simple but significant: to finish the rally cleanly while competing at a strong level. However, she admits that fighting for trophies would make the experience even more special.
Behind her pursuit of motorsports excellence is a strong support system. Queen credits her family for standing by her journey in a sport that demands immense time, focus, and resilience.
Beyond personal achievements, she hopes her story inspires more young women to step into spaces traditionally dominated by men. She also acknowledges the progressive environment in Rwanda that encourages women to pursue diverse opportunities.
“To every young girl who dreams of doing something different, your gender should never define the size of your dream,” she says. “Believe in yourself, work hard, and don’t be afraid to pursue what excites you.”
