KCB Bank Kenya has reaffirmed its dominance in sports sponsorship with a KShs 227 million (more than UGX 6 billion) investment towards the 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally Kenya, extending its partnership with the iconic event for the sixth straight year since its return to the global calendar in 2021.
The financial commitment underscores the bank’s strategic focus on nurturing talent, strengthening Kenya’s sporting profile, and driving socio-economic impact through sport.
Out of the total sponsorship package, KShs 100 million (more than UGX 2 billion) has been allocated directly to the Safari Rally Kenya organizing committee to support event execution.
A further KShs 28.5 million (more than UGX 700 million) will fund five promising drivers under the KCB banner —Uganda’s Oscar Ntambi, Karan Patel, Nikhil Sachania, Tinashe Gatimu and Rwanda’s Queen Kalimpinya as they compete on one of motorsport’s toughest stages.
The remaining funds will support rally activations, marketing campaigns, and fan engagement initiatives designed to enhance spectator experience and expand the event’s reach both locally and internationally.
This 2026 sponsorship continues KCB’s long-term backing of the WRC Safari Rally bringing it’s total contribution since 2021 to about KSh 980 million (more than UGX 25 billion)
KCB Group CEO Paul Russo said the sponsorship reflects the bank’s long-term commitment to sustainable development through sports.
“Our continued investment in the Safari Rally demonstrates our resolve to drive meaningful impact — from empowering local talent to stimulating tourism, trade, and enterprise,” Russo noted during the official cheque presentation to Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi.
KCB’s involvement in Kenyan sports spans over 20 years, with more than KShs 5 billion invested across various disciplines including football, volleyball, athletics, golf, chess, and motorsport. Of that figure, over KShs 2 billion has gone into motorsport alone, enabling local drivers to compete at regional and international levels.
KCB’s unwavering support has elevated local talent and positioned Kenya as a global sporting destination while unlocking economic opportunities for communities,” Mwangi said.
Set for March 12–15, 2026, the Safari Rally will once again be headquartered in Naivasha, aligning with FIA requirements on competitive distances and crew working hours.
The rally will feature 350.02 competitive kilometres spread across 20 special stages, complemented by 842.9 kilometres of liaison sections. True to its reputation, the Safari remains one of the most demanding rounds of the WRC calendar, a relentless combination of punishing terrain, deep ruts, sandy stretches, unpredictable weather, and intense heat, all set against Kenya’s dramatic wildlife landscape.
The action begins on Thursday, March 12, with a shakedown at the newly introduced Nawisa Stage before competitive runs through Camp Moran and Mzabibu.
Friday’s route will test crews across Camp Moran, Loldia, Geothermal, and Kedong stages, while Saturday shifts the spotlight to Soysambu, Elementaita, and Sleeping Warrior. The rally culminates on Sunday with Oserengoni, Hell’s Gate, and the decisive Wolf Power Stage, followed by the prize-giving ceremony.
As the third round of the 2026 WRC season, the Safari Rally is expected to attract more than 40 local and international teams. Top manufacturers — Toyota GR Yaris cars, Hyundai, M-Sport Ford — have confirmed participation.
The entry list features rally heavyweights including 2025 champion Sébastien Ogier, Thierry Neuville, Oliver Solberg, defending Safari champion Elfyn Evans, Takamoto Katsuta among others.
Safari Rally Kenya CEO Charles Gacheru highlighted the event’s growing international stature.
“The Safari Rally continues to captivate global audiences. It is a powerful platform to showcase Kenya to the world while inspiring the next generation of motorsport talent,” Gacheru said.
Beyond the roaring engines and flying gravel, the Safari Rally stands as a catalyst for economic growth, boosting tourism, hospitality, and small enterprises in host communities. With KCB’s continued backing, the 2026 edition promises not only action but also sustained impact reinforcing Kenya’s position as Africa’s motorsport capital and the ultimate endurance test on the WRC calendar.
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