CFAO Mobility Kenya has unveiled a comprehensive sponsorship and development package worth KES 48,535,200 to support the 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally.
This latest investment strengthens CFAO’s long-standing commitment to motorsport in Kenya, bringing its total contribution to over KES 153 million over the past six years.
The partnership further highlights Toyota’s legacy in rallying, with the brand holding a record 12 WRC championship titles across different eras, from the iconic Group B era to the current WRC Hybrid category.
Speaking at the official cheque handover ceremony, Arvinder Reel, Managing Director of CFAO Mobility Kenya, emphasized the company’s focus on grassroots motorsport development.
“Our commitment goes beyond sponsorship. We are investing in the growth of motorsports and will continue to champion initiatives that nurture young talent and elevate Kenya’s rally standing on the global stage,” he said.
Supporting the Next Generation of Rally Talent
CFAO Mobility Kenya has made a major contribution to the Safari Rally Training School Project, donating two FIA-approved Toyota Starlet rally cars built in collaboration with Kenyan automotive engineers.
Developed to meet FIA Rally 5 standards, the cars cost KES 34.5 million and were officially presented to the President of Kenya at State House, highlighting the country’s dedication to advancing motorsport.
Additionally, CFAO has developed a prototype Cross Car for junior rally drivers aged 12 to 17, built at a cost of KES 3.7 million to FIA specifications.
This initiative aims to create a structured pathway for young talent and promote grassroots motorsport development in Kenya for the first time.
“To enable the growth of the sport, we have partnered with South Africa’s Botterill Motor Sport to develop a rally training curriculum. A training camp for local drivers and navigators will complement the curriculum, which will also be handed over to the Safari Rally secretariat to ensure the project continues beyond the rally,” added Mr. Reel.
Community and Fan Engagement
As part of the initiative, CFAO Mobility hosted an exclusive meet-and-greet with drivers from the Toyota Gazoo Racing Team (TGR), giving fans a unique opportunity to interact with world-class rally talent.
The Principal Secretary for the State Department of Sports, Mr. Elijah Mwangi, commended CFAO Mobility Kenya for its contribution to local motorsport:
“Their donation of two Toyota Starlets, support in developing the Rally Academy curriculum, and production of Kenya’s first affordable FIA Cross Car are vital steps toward building local talent and technical capacity. Collaboration with TVETA can further enhance skills development and expand local production capacity.”
Star-Studded Rally Attendance
Drivers attending the event included Elfyn Evans, current WRC championship leader and 2025 Safari Rally winner; Samo Pajari; and 24-year-old rising star representing Kenya’s next generation of rally talent. Legendary Juha Kankkunen, 1985 Safari Rally winner and Deputy Team Principal, was also present.
Mr. Reel highlighted the Toyota Hilux’s continued role as the “double zero” and “triple zero” opening cars since the rally returned to Kenya, underscoring the vehicle’s proven quality, durability, and reliability.
CFAO Mobility Kenya remains committed to investing in motorsport while advancing mobility solutions nationwide, ensuring the sport’s growth from grassroots to global competition.
