WRC Safari Rally receives Ksh227 million sponsorship boon from KCB

KCB Bank Kenya has set aside Ksh227 million to support the 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally Kenya.

This marks the sixth consecutive year the lender has backed the iconic motorsport event since its return to the global calendar.

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Out of the sponsorship package, Ksh100 million will go directly to the organisation of the Safari Rally, while Ksh28.5 million has been allocated to support five KCB-sponsored drivers: Karan Patel, Nikhil Sachania, Tinashe Gatimu, Rwanda’s Queen Kalimpinya, and Uganda’s Oscar Ntambi.

The remaining funds will cater to activations and marketing initiatives around the rally.

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The latest commitment brings the bank’s cumulative contribution to the event to Ksh980 million since the Safari Rally returned to Kenyan soil in 2021 after a 19-year absence.

Speaking on Tuesday, 10 February, while presenting the sponsorship cheque to Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, KCB Group CEO Paul Russo said the investment reflects the bank’s broader ambition to support talent development and stimulate economic growth.

“Our sponsorship demonstrates our commitment to driving sustainable impact, supporting local talent, and stimulating economic activity across tourism, trade, and enterprise among other sectors,” Russo said.

“We are looking at continually building on our experience and scale in sports sponsorships across East Africa to further support talent for global, regional, and in-country competitions across disciplines,” he continued.

Over the past two decades, KCB has spent more than Ksh5 billion supporting sports across various disciplines, including motorsports, rugby, chess, volleyball, football, golf, and athletics.

Of this, over KSh2 billion has been invested specifically in motorsports, helping local drivers gain exposure in local, regional, and international competitions.

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The four-day rally, set to be staged in Naivasha, will feature a competitive distance of 350.02 kilometres and a liaison distance of 842.9 kilometers in compliance with FIA regulations.

This year’s event will move away from the traditional ceremonial flag-off in Nairobi to meet updated requirements for distances and crew working hours.

Action begins on Thursday, 12 March with a shakedown at the newly introduced Nawisa stage, followed by a ceremonial flag-off and runs through Camp Moran and Mzabibu.

Friday’s stages will take drivers through Camp Moran, Loldia, Geothermal, and Kedong.

On Saturday, 14 March, crews will tackle Soysambu, Elementaita, and Sleeping Warrior before an autograph session at Mzabibu.

The rally concludes on Sunday, 15 March, with stages at Oserengoni and Hell’s Gate, culminating in the Wolf Power Stage and the prize-giving ceremony.

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Principal Secretary Mwangi hailed the partnership, noting its impact on local communities and emerging drivers.

“KCB’s sustained investment has helped grow local talent, attract global attention, and unlock opportunities for communities along the rally route.

We commend the Bank for being a dependable partner in advancing sports development and youth empowerment in Kenya,” he said.

Beyond competition, the bank will anchor sustainability initiatives around the rally, targeting the planting and nurturing of 5,000 trees in line with the government’s goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.

It will also engage more than 60 high schools in a green debate series to promote environmental awareness among young people.

Safari Rally Kenya CEO Charles Gacheru said the event continues to strengthen Kenya’s global motorsport profile.

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“The Safari Rally continues to grow as a global sporting spectacle, attracting fans and competitors from around the world. We are proud to showcase Kenya on the international motorsport stage and to inspire the next generation of local talent,” said Gacheru.

The rally, the third round of the WRC season, is expected to attract about 50 local and international teams, including manufacturers such as Toyota, Hyundai, Škoda, and M-Sport Ford.

Among the star drivers on the entry list are Sébastien Ogier, Thierry Neuville, defending Safari Rally champion Elfyn Evans, and Grégoire Munster.

Widely regarded as one of the toughest events on the calendar, the Safari Rally will feature 20 special stages packed into four days, with unpredictable weather and wildlife continuing to make it the ultimate test of endurance in world rallying.