Africa-Press – Kenya. Kenyan crews will form the largest foreign contingent at the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, as the second round of the FIA African Rally Championship (ARC) takes place in Mbarara from May 7–9.
A total of 10 Kenyan entries have been confirmed, underlining the country’s strong presence in the continental championship as crews chase early-season points in a tightly packed standings table.
Championship leader Karan Patel, alongside co-driver Tauseef Khan, return to Uganda as defending champions. The Škoda Fabia R5 duo leads the standings with 49 points.
“Psychologically I’m prepared, and ready for it. My racing machine is in a better condition in a rally that keeps us focused in many rally events in the region,” Patel said.
Patel is closely followed in the standings by compatriot Aakif Virani, who sits second on 38 points, while Samman Singh Vohra holds third place on 37 points with co-driver Drew Sturrock.
Former national champion Jasmeet Chana is fourth overall on 32 points, partnered by Ravi Chana. In the ARC3 category, Nikhil Sachania sits sixth overall on 23 points in a Ford Fiesta Rally3, continuing his steady push in the championship.
Other Kenyan entrants include Evans Kavisi with Absalom Aswani in ARC2, Joseph Gacheche with Sofia Rantasalo, and Samir Nanji. Adding a unique storyline to the Kenyan entry list is the pairing of Tinashe Gatimu and her mother Caroline Gatimu, competing together in a Ford Fiesta Rally4.
Uganda’s home challenge will be led by defending African champion Yasin Nasser and co-driver Ali Katumba, who resume their campaign on familiar terrain after the opening round.
Nasser has maintained a measured outlook ahead of the event, stressing the importance of consistency over outright risk. “We will be in our own race,” he said, noting that the crew will focus on scoring points while pushing when necessary.
The rally will feature 12 competitive stages covering 201.85 kilometres, with a total route distance of 569.16 kilometres across Mbarara and Kiruhura districts.
After the Safari Rally Kenya, Patel leads the drivers’ standings on 49 points, followed by Virani (38), Vohra (37) and Chana (32), while Sachania sits sixth overall. In the co-drivers’ standings, Khan leads on 49 points ahead of Zahir Shah and Drew Sturrock.
Competition begins on May 7 with a ceremonial start in Mbarara, before two days of intense action on May 8 and 9, as the ARC title fight gathers further momentum on Ugandan soil.
ARC standings1. Karan Patel KEN 49 pts2. Aakif Virani KEN 38 pts3. Samman Singh Vohra KEN 37pts4. Jasmeet Chana KEN 32pts5 Oscar Ntambi UGA 26pts6. Nikhil Sachania KEN 23pts7. Naveen Pulligilla IND 20pts8. Harpreet Singh Bhogal KEN 18pts9. Christian Kanangire RWA 14pts10. Yasin Nasser TAN 11pts11. Sameer Nanji KEN 8pts
