KCB Commits KShs. 227 Million to 2026 Safari Rally, Extending Six-Year WRC Sponsorship Streak

Sports Updated: 10 February 2026 21:34 EAT

KCB Bank Kenya has committed KShs. 227 million towards the 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally Kenya, reinforcing its position as a key partner of the iconic motorsport event for the sixth consecutive year since its historic return to the global calendar.

From the total sponsorship package, KShs. 100 million will be channeled directly to the Safari Rally Kenya, while KShs. 28.5 million will support five KCB-sponsored drivers—Karan Patel, Nikhil Sachania, Tinashe Gatimu, Rwanda’s Queen Kalimpinya, and Uganda’s Oscar Ntambi. The remaining funds will be allocated to marketing and fan engagement activations.

This latest investment brings KCB’s total contribution to the Safari Rally to KShs. 980 million since 2021, when the championship made a comeback to Kenya after a 19-year hiatus.

Speaking during the cheque handover ceremony to Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi on Tuesday morning, KCB Group CEO Paul Russo underscored the Bank’s broader vision behind the sponsorship.

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

He added, “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.”

KCB has long been a pillar of sports development in Kenya. Over the past two decades, the Bank has invested more than KShs. 5 billion across multiple disciplines, including motorsports, rugby, chess, volleyball, football, golf, and athletics. In motorsports alone, over KShs. 2 billion has been invested, opening pathways for local drivers to compete at national, regional, and international levels.

The 2026 Safari Rally will feature a competitive distance of 350.02 kilometers, complemented by a liaison distance of 842.9 kilometers, in compliance with FIA regulations. The four-day event will be headquartered in Naivasha, aligning with FIA 2026 sporting regulations on distances and crew working hours, and marking a shift from the traditional ceremonial start in Nairobi.

Action begins on Thursday, March 12, with a shakedown at the newly introduced Nawisa stage, followed by a ceremonial flag-off and competitive stages at Camp Moran and Mzabibu. On Friday, March 13, crews will tackle Camp Moran, Loldia, Geothermal, and Kedong stages.

Saturday’s itinerary will see drivers navigate through Soysambu, Elementaita, and Sleeping Warrior, before fans engage with teams during an autograph signing session at Mzabibu.

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

Commending KCB’s continued commitment, Sports PS Elijah Mwangi noted, “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.”

Sustainability remains a key pillar of KCB’s involvement, with the Bank targeting the planting and nurturing of 5,000 trees during this year’s rally, contributing to the government’s ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032. Additionally, KCB will roll out a green debate series engaging over 60 high schools to inspire environmental awareness among young people.

Safari Rally Kenya CEO Charles Gacheru highlighted the event’s growing global stature, saying, “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.”

The rally is expected to attract 50 local and international teams, with leading manufacturers including Toyota, Hyundai, Škoda, and M-Sport Ford confirmed to participate.

Fans can also look forward to seeing some of the sport’s biggest names on Kenyan soil, including Sébastien Ogier, Thierry Neuville, defending Safari Rally champion Elfyn Evans, and Grégoire Munster.

As the third round of the WRC season, the Safari Rally remains one of the championship’s most demanding events—where unpredictable weather, rugged terrain, and wildlife combine with a tightly packed schedule of 20 special stages across four intense days.