Karan Patel Shines as Top Kenyan Driver at 2026 WRC Safari Rally

The Safari Rally Kenya, one of the most challenging rounds of the World Rally Championship (WRC), once again delivered high-octane action and unforgettable drama.

Among the standout performers was the KCB Rally Team, which showcased depth, resilience, and strategic skill across multiple categories, cementing its reputation as a powerhouse in East African motorsport.

Driver Karan Patel and navigator Tauseef Khan emerged as the highest-placed Kenyan crew in the gruelling rally held in Naivasha.

The duo not only finished the event but also clinched victory in the African Rally Championship (ARC) category, putting them at the top of the 2026 continental standings.

The Safari Rally is renowned for its punishing terrain, rocky tracks, unpredictable weather, and long distances test both man and machine.

Patel, who had struggled with retirements in the previous four years, finally overcame the obstacles to complete the rally. Their 17th-place overall finish in the WRC classification marked a personal and professional milestone for the driver.

“It has been four years of retiring, but we managed to finish the rally this year, capping it off with the ARC title,” Patel said after the podium ceremony.

“I am excited for what lies ahead and I cannot wait to participate in the coming ARC legs. The last four days have been incredibly difficult, and we could not be prouder of this achievement.”

A two-time ARC champion, Patel is now determined to reclaim the continental crown after narrowly missing out on the 2025 title to Uganda’s Yasin Nasser. His performance in Naivasha sends a clear message that he is back and ready to challenge for the top spot.

Another KCB Rally Team duo, Nikhil Sachania and navigator Deep Patel, delivered a strong performance despite the demanding conditions.

They began their defence of the FIA African Rally Championship (ARC3) title with a category win, finishing ahead of rival Puligilla Naveen.

Sachania’s sixth-place finish in ARC overall and 23rd in WRC3 reinforced his growing reputation as one of the region’s rising rally stars.

His ability to maintain consistency under pressure is an encouraging sign for the team, particularly as they look to defend and strengthen their position in the championship.

Ugandan driver Oscar Ntambi impressed across the competition, securing victory in the ARC2 category after a hard-fought battle with Kenya’s Evans Nzioka.

Ntambi finished 22nd overall in the WRC classification and sixth in the ARC standings, showcasing both speed and tactical acumen.

His performance highlights the growing pool of talent from East Africa, demonstrating that the KCB Rally Team’s support structure is helping drivers not just participate but genuinely compete at the highest levels of continental rallying.

For Rwanda’s Queen Kalimpinya, the Safari Rally represented a first-ever outing at one of the world’s toughest motorsport events.

Competing in the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) category, she emerged as the highest-placed female driver, impressing observers with her composure and skill.

“This was my first time ever participating in the Safari Rally,” Kalimpinya said. “This event is not only iconic but also unforgiving. We managed to finish the rally, and there is something valuable to take home. We hope to carry the same momentum into upcoming competitions.”

Her achievement underscores the increasing opportunities for female drivers in the region and adds a new layer of inspiration for aspiring young racers.

Heartbreak for the Gatimu Family

Not all stories ended in triumph. The mother-daughter duo Tinashe Gatimu and Caroline Gatimu, who had completed three consecutive Safari Rallies, were forced to retire after mechanical issues struck their new Ford Fiesta Rally4.

Their fourth attempt ended prematurely, serving as a reminder of the unforgiving nature of the Safari Rally, where even experienced crews can face unexpected setbacks.