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.
Of this sponsorship, KShs. 100 million will go directly to Safari Rally Kenya, while KShs. 28.5 million will support five KCB-sponsored drivers – Karan Patel, Nikhil Sachania, Tinashe Gatimu, Queen Kalimpinya from Rwanda, and Uganda’s Oscar Ntambi.
The remaining funds will be spent on activations and marketing, bringing the total sponsorship contribution to KShs. 980 million since the rally’s return in 2021 after a 19-year hiatus.
KCB Group CEO Paul Russo while presenting the sponsorship cheque to Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi on Tuesday, said the sponsorship demostrates banks commitment to driving sustainable impact, supporting local talent.
“Our 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.” he said.
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.
For motorsports specifically, the Bank has invested over KShs. 2 billion, providing local drivers opportunities to compete at national, regional, and international events.
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.
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.
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.
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’s Gate, before passing the Wolf Power Stage and culminating in the prize-giving ceremony.
“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,” said PS Mwangi.
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’s 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.
“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 inspire the next generation of local talent,” said Safari Rally Kenya CEO Charles Gacheru.
This year, the rally is expected to feature 50 local and international teams, with top manufacturers such as Toyota, Hyundai, Škoda, and M-Sport Ford confirmed to compete.
The entry list also includes some of motorsport’s biggest names, including Sebastien Ogier, Thierry Neuville, defending champion Elfyn Evans, and Grégoire Munster.
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.
