Africa-Press – Uganda. KCB Bank Kenya has committed KShs 227 million towards the 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally Kenya, marking its sixth consecutive year of sponsorship since the iconic rally returned to the global motorsport calendar in 2021.
Of the total sponsorship, KShs 100 million will go directly to the Safari Rally Kenya organizers, while KShs 28.5 million has been earmarked 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 for rally activations, marketing, and fan engagement initiatives.
This latest contribution brings KCB’s total investment in the Safari Rally to KShs 980 million since its return to Kenya after a 19-year absence.
Presenting the sponsorship cheque to the Principal Secretary for Sports, Elijah Mwangi, on Tuesday morning, KCB Group Chief Executive Officer Paul Russo said the Bank’s continued support reflects its commitment to sustainable development through sport.
“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.
He added that KCB would continue leveraging its experience and regional presence to support sports development across East Africa.
“We are continually building on our experience and scale in sports sponsorships to support talent at global, regional, and local levels across multiple disciplines.”
Over the past two decades, KCB has invested more than KShs 5 billion in sports, supporting disciplines such as motorsport, rugby, football, chess, volleyball, golf, and athletics. In motorsport alone, the Bank has injected over KShs 2 billion, providing opportunities for local drivers to compete regionally and internationally.
Rally Format and Route
The 2026 Safari Rally will feature a competitive distance of 350.02 kilometres, supported by 842.9 kilometres of liaison sections, in line with FIA sporting regulations. The four-day event will be based in Naivasha, a move aimed at meeting FIA requirements on distances and crew working hours, departing from the traditional ceremonial flag-off in Nairobi.
Action will begin on Thursday, March 12, with a shakedown at the newly introduced Nawisa Stage, followed by a ceremonial flag-off and competitive runs through Camp Moran and Mzabibu.
On Friday, March 13, crews will tackle Camp Moran, Loldia, Geothermal, and Kedong stages. Saturday, March 14, will see action shift to Soysambu, Elementaita, and Sleeping Warrior, before an autograph signing session at Mzabibu.
The rally will conclude on Sunday, March 15, with stages at Oserengoni, Hell’s Gate, and the Wolf Power Stage, culminating in the prize-giving ceremony.
Sports PS Elijah Mwangi commended KCB for its sustained support, noting its role in talent development and community empowerment.
“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,” Mwangi said.
Sustainability will remain central to the rally, with KCB targeting the planting and nurturing of 5,000 trees this year, in line with the government’s goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032. The Bank will also engage more than 60 high schools in a green debate series aimed at promoting environmental awareness among young people.
Safari Rally Kenya CEO Charles Gacheru said the event continues to grow as a global motorsport spectacle.
“The Safari Rally continues to attract fans and competitors from around the world. We are proud to showcase Kenya on the international motorsport stage and inspire the next generation of local talent,” Gacheru said.
The rally is expected to attract 50 local and international teams, with top manufacturers such as Toyota, Hyundai, Škoda, and M-Sport Ford confirmed to compete.
The entry list includes global rally stars Sébastien Ogier, Thierry Neuville, defending Safari Rally champion Elfyn Evans, and Grégoire Munster, among others.
As the third round of the WRC season, the Safari Rally remains renowned as the ultimate test of endurance, combining 20 special stages over four days, unpredictable weather, rugged terrain, and Kenya’s iconic wildlife backdrop.
