KCB Bank Kenya has set aside KShs. 227 million for the 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally Kenya, marking the sixth consecutive year of sponsorship since the iconic rally returned to Kenya.<\/p>\n
Of this sponsorship, KShs. 100 million will go directly to Safari Rally Kenya, while KShs. 28.5 million will support five KCB-sponsored drivers \u2013 Karan Patel, Nikhil Sachania, Tinashe Gatimu, Queen Kalimpinya from Rwanda, and Uganda\u2019s Oscar Ntambi.<\/p>\n
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The remaining funds will be spent on activations and marketing, bringing the total sponsorship contribution to KShs. 980 million since the rally\u2019s return in 2021 after a 19-year hiatus.<\/p>\n
KCB Group CEO Paul Russo while\u00a0presenting the sponsorship cheque to Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi on Tuesday,\u00a0said the sponsorship demostrates banks commitment to driving\u00a0sustainable impact, supporting local talent.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur sponsorship demonstrates our commitment to driving sustainable impact, supporting local talent, and stimulating economic activity across tourism, trade, and enterprise among other sectors. 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.\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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He argued that KCB has long been a cornerstone of Kenyan sports, investing over KShs. 5 billion in various disciplines over the past two decades, including motorsports, rugby, chess, volleyball, football, golf, and athletics.<\/p>\n
For motorsports specifically, the Bank has invested over KShs. 2 billion, providing local drivers opportunities to compete at national, regional, and international events.<\/p>\n
The 2026 Safari Rally will cover a total competitive distance of 350.02 kilometers, supported by a liaison distance of 842.9 kilometers, in line with FIA requirements.<\/p>\n
The four-day event will be based in Naivasha, in compliance with FIA 2026 regulations on distances and crew working hours, moving away from the traditional ceremonial flag-off in Nairobi.<\/p>\n
On Thursday, March 12, competitors will start with a shakedown at the newly introduced Nawisa stage, followed by a ceremonial flag-off before tackling Camp Moran and Mzabibu stages.<\/p>\n
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On Friday, March 13, cars will navigate Camp Moran, Loldia, Geothermal, and Kedong stages. Saturday, March 14, action moves to Soysambu, Elementaita, and Sleeping Warrior, concluding with autograph signings at Mzabibu. Sunday, March 15, will feature a thrilling finale as cars tackle Oserengoni and Hell\u2019s Gate, before passing the Wolf Power Stage and culminating in the prize-giving ceremony.<\/p>\n
\u201cKCB\u2019s 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,\u201d said PS Mwangi.<\/p>\n
KCB will also embed sustainability at the heart of the rally, targeting the planting of 5,000 trees this year in line with the government\u2019s goal of 15 billion trees by 2032. In addition, the Bank will engage over 60 high schools in a curated green debate series to inspire and educate the younger generation while promoting environmental consciousness.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe 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 inspire the next generation of local talent,\u201d said Safari Rally Kenya CEO Charles Gacheru.<\/p>\n
This year, the rally is expected to feature 50 local and international teams, with top manufacturers such as Toyota, Hyundai, \u0160koda, and M-Sport Ford confirmed to compete.<\/p>\n
The entry list also includes some of motorsport\u2019s biggest names, including Sebastien Ogier, Thierry Neuville, defending champion Elfyn Evans, and Gr\u00e9goire Munster.<\/p>\n
Marking the third round of the season, the event remains the ultimate test of survival in the WRC, where wildlife and weather add an unpredictable challenge across 20 special stages in four days.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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