KCB Commits KShs. 227 Million to 2026 Safari Rally
Sixth Consecutive Year of Sponsorship
KCB Bank Kenya has committed KShs. 227 million to the 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally Kenya. This marks the sixth consecutive year the bank has sponsored the event since its return in 2021.
Of the total amount, KShs. 100 million will support the Safari Rally directly. In addition, KShs. 28.5 million will sponsor five drivers: Karan Patel, Nikhil Sachania, Tinashe Gatimu, Queen Kalimpinya of Rwanda, and Uganda’s Oscar Ntambi. The bank will allocate the remaining funds to activations and marketing.
Since 2021, KCB has invested a total of KShs. 980 million in the global event.
Driving Economic and Sporting Impact
While presenting the sponsorship cheque to Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, KCB Group CEO Paul Russo reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to sports development.
“Our sponsorship reflects our focus on sustainable impact, local talent development, and economic growth across tourism, trade, and enterprise,” said Russo.
He added that the bank will continue leveraging its sports sponsorship platform across East Africa to nurture talent at global, regional, and local levels.
Over the past two decades, KCB has invested more than KShs. 5 billion in sports. The funding has supported motorsports, rugby, chess, volleyball, football, golf, and athletics.
Specifically, the bank has injected over KShs. 2 billion into motorsports. As a result, many local drivers have competed in regional and international events.
Rally Route and Schedule
The 2026 Safari Rally will feature 350.02 kilometres of competitive stages. It will also include 842.9 kilometres of liaison sections, in line with FIA requirements.
Organisers will base the four-day event in Naivasha. This format aligns with FIA 2026 sporting regulations on distance and crew working hours.
On Thursday, March 12, drivers will tackle a shakedown at the new Nawisa stage. They will then proceed to Camp Moran and Mzabibu.
On Friday, March 13, crews will navigate Camp Moran, Loldia, Geothermal, and Kedong stages.
On Saturday, March 14, the rally moves to Soysambu, Elementaita, and Sleeping Warrior. An autograph session will follow at Mzabibu.
Finally, on Sunday, March 15, drivers will race through Oserengoni and Hell’s Gate before concluding at the Wolf Power Stage. Officials will then hold the prize-giving ceremony.
Sustainability and Youth Engagement
KCB will place sustainability at the centre of this year’s rally. The bank targets planting and nurturing 5,000 trees. This effort supports the government’s goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
Additionally, KCB will engage more than 60 high schools in a green debate series. The initiative aims to inspire environmental awareness among young people.
PS Mwangi praised the bank’s continued backing of the rally.
“KCB’s sustained investment has strengthened local talent and attracted global attention. The partnership continues to unlock opportunities for communities along the rally route,” he said.
Safari Rally Kenya CEO Charles Gacheru also welcomed the sponsorship.
“The Safari Rally continues to grow as a global spectacle. We are proud to showcase Kenya on the international motorsport stage,” he said.
Global Competitors Confirmed
This year, organisers expect 50 local and international teams. Top manufacturers, including Toyota, Hyundai, Škoda, and M-Sport Ford, have confirmed participation.
The entry list features leading drivers such as Sebastien Ogier, Thierry Neuville, defending champion Elfyn Evans, and Grégoire Munster.
As the third round of the WRC season, the Safari Rally remains one of the toughest events on the calendar. It combines unpredictable weather, rugged terrain, and 20 special stages across four intense days.
