KCB Bank Kenya has committed KShs 227 million towards the 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally Kenya, extending its sponsorship of the iconic motorsport event for a sixth consecutive year since its return to the global calendar in 2021.
Under the sponsorship package, KShs 100 million will be paid directly to Safari Rally Kenya organisers, 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 rally activations, marketing, and fan engagement activities.
The latest contribution brings KCB’s cumulative investment in the Safari Rally to KShs 980 million since the event returned to Kenya after a 19-year absence.
Handing over the sponsorship cheque to the Principal Secretary for Sports, Elijah Mwangi, on Tuesday, KCB Group Chief Executive Officer Paul Russo said the bank’s continued backing of the rally reflects its broader 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,” Russo said.
He added that KCB will continue to leverage its regional footprint and experience in sports sponsorship to support talent across East Africa at local, regional, and international levels.
Over the past two decades, KCB has invested more than KShs 5 billion in sports development across disciplines including motorsport, rugby, football, volleyball, chess, golf, and athletics. In motorsport alone, the bank has injected over KShs 2 billion, enabling local drivers to compete on regional and global stages.
The 2026 Safari Rally Kenya will feature a competitive distance of 350.02 kilometres, supported by 842.9 kilometres of liaison sections, in compliance with FIA sporting regulations. The four-day event will be based in Naivasha, a strategic shift aimed at meeting FIA requirements on stage distances and crew working hours, moving away from the traditional ceremonial start in Nairobi.
The rally 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 feature stages at Soysambu, Elementaita, and Sleeping Warrior, before an autograph signing session at Mzabibu.
The event 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 praised KCB for its sustained support, noting the bank’s role in nurturing local talent and stimulating economic activity along the rally route.
“KCB’s sustained investment has helped grow local talent, attract global attention, and unlock opportunities for communities along the rally route,” Mwangi said.
Sustainability will remain a key pillar of the rally, with KCB targeting the planting and nurturing of 5,000 trees in line with the government’s plan to plant 15 billion trees by 2032. The bank will also engage over 60 high schools in a green debate series aimed at promoting environmental awareness among young people.
Safari Rally Kenya Chief Executive Officer Charles Gacheru said the event continues to grow in stature 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 manufacturers such as Toyota, Hyundai, Škoda, and M-Sport Ford confirmed to compete.
The entry list includes top rally drivers 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 one of the sport’s toughest endurance tests, featuring 20 special stages over four days, unpredictable weather, rugged terrain, and Kenya’s iconic wildlife backdrop.