KCB Commits KShs. 227 Million to 2026 Safari Rally, Puts Sustainability at the Centre WRC’s Return
KCB Bank Kenya has committed KShs. 227 million to the 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally Kenya, reinforcing a six-year partnership that increasingly positions the iconic motorsport event as a platform for sustainable economic and environmental impact.
Of the total 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, Rwanda’s Queen Kalimpinya, and Uganda’s Oscar Ntambi — underscoring the Bank’s commitment to nurturing regional talent and building inclusive pathways into global motorsport. The remaining funds will support activations and outreach initiatives aligned with community engagement and sustainability goals.
Since the Safari Rally’s return to Kenya in 2021 after a 19-year absence, KCB’s cumulative investment in the global motorsport showpiece has reached KShs. 980 million, reflecting a long-term approach that links sports sponsorship with tourism growth, enterprise development, and environmental stewardship.
While presenting the sponsorship cheque to Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, KCB Group CEO Paul Russo said the Bank views sports as a catalyst for sustainable development.
“Our continued support for the Safari Rally demonstrates our commitment to driving sustainable impact — from supporting local talent and youth empowerment to stimulating economic activity across tourism, trade, and enterprise, while embedding environmental responsibility into large-scale sporting events,” Russo said.
He added that KCB is seeking to scale its sports sponsorship model across East Africa to deliver lasting social and environmental value beyond competition.
KCB’s footprint in sports development spans over two decades, with more than KShs. 5 billion invested across disciplines including motorsports, rugby, chess, volleyball, football, golf, and athletics. In motorsports alone, the Bank has invested over KShs. 2 billion, helping local drivers access regional and international stages while strengthening the broader sporting ecosystem.
The 2026 Safari Rally will be based in Naivasha, a strategic shift aligned with FIA 2026 sporting regulations on competitive distances and crew working hours. The rally will feature 350.02 competitive kilometers and 842.9 liaison kilometers, blending high-performance racing with Kenya’s unique natural landscapes.
Beyond racing, KCB plans to embed sustainability at the core of the event, with an ambitious commitment to plant and grow 5,000 trees along the rally value chain, supporting the government’s target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032. The Bank will also engage over 60 high schools through a curated green debate series, designed to inspire environmental awareness and climate leadership among young people.
“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, youth empowerment, and sustainable community impact,” said PS Mwangi.
Safari Rally Kenya CEO Charles Gacheru noted that the event continues to evolve as a global sporting spectacle with a growing sustainability narrative.
“The Safari Rally is not just about speed and endurance. It is an opportunity to showcase Kenya to the world, promote responsible tourism, and inspire the next generation of talent while respecting the environment that makes this rally unique,” Gacheru said.
The rally is expected to attract around 50 local and international teams, with manufacturers including Toyota, Hyundai, Škoda, and M-Sport Ford confirmed. Top drivers such as Sebastien Ogier, Thierry Neuville, defending champion Elfyn Evans, and Grégoire Munster headline the entry list.
