Safari Rally Secures KSh 227 Million Sponsorship for 2026 WRC Event

The Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) has committed KSh 227 million towards the 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally Kenya, reaffirming its long-standing support for motorsport in the country.

This marks the sixth consecutive year that the Bank has sponsored the iconic rally since its historic return to the global WRC calendar in 2021 after a 19-year absence.

The continued backing underlines KCB’s strategic commitment to sports development, local talent empowerment, and the broader economic impact associated with hosting a global motorsport event in Kenya.

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Out of the total sponsorship package, KSh 100 million has been allocated directly to the Safari Rally Kenya organisers to support the successful staging of the event.

A further KSh 28.5 million will go towards supporting five KCB-sponsored drivers competing in the rally, Kenya’s Karan Patel, Nikhil Sachania, and Tinashe Gatimu, Rwanda’s Queen Kalimpinya, and Uganda’s Oscar Ntambi.

The remaining funds will be invested in brand activations, fan engagement initiatives, and marketing campaigns aimed at enhancing the rally experience while amplifying Kenya’s profile as a premier global motorsport destination.

With this latest commitment, KCB’s total investment in the WRC Safari Rally since its return now stands at approximately KSh 980 million.

The significant financial backing has played a key role in stabilising the event, supporting local participation, and ensuring Kenya remains a permanent and competitive fixture on the WRC calendar.

Speaking during the cheque presentation ceremony to Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi on Tuesday morning, KCB Group Chief Executive Officer Paul Russo emphasised the broader value of the sponsorship beyond motorsport.

“Our sponsorship demonstrates our commitment to driving sustainable impact, supporting local talent, and stimulating economic activity across tourism, trade, and enterprise among other sectors,” said Russo.

He further noted that the Bank intends to deepen its involvement in sports sponsorship across the region. “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.”

Meanwhile, the 2026 Safari Rally Kenya will feature a total competitive distance of 350.02 kilometres, complemented by 842.9 kilometres of liaison sections, in full compliance with Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) regulations.

The four-day rally will once again be based in Naivasha, a strategic choice aimed at enhancing logistics, improving spectator access, and maximising the economic benefits for local communities and the hospitality sector.