The Safari Rally Kenya 2026 event has received a major boost after KCB Bank Kenya set aside KSh227 million to back the international motorsport event. This is the sixth consecutive year that the financial institution is sponsoring this global prestigious event since its return to Kenya in 2021.
Safari Rally Kenya 2026 Sponsorship Details
Out of the sponsorship of KSh227 million, Ksh100 million will be directed to the Safari Rally Kenya 2026 event. Another KSh28.5 million will cater to the needs of five drivers sponsored by KCB, namely Karan Patel, Nikhil Sachania, Tinashe Gatimu, Rwanda’s Queen Kalimpinya, and Uganda’s Oscar Ntambi.
This translates to a total of KCB sponsorship for Safari Rally Kenya of KSh980 million after the rally returned from a 19-year hiatus.
In his address while presenting the sponsorship cheque to sports PS, Elijah Mwangi, KCB bank chief executive Paul Russo explained that the bank’s sponsorship aim was to nurture home-grown talent while supporting the development of sectors such as tourism and business.
KCB has been a big name in Kenyan sports for a while. Over the last 20 years, the bank has spent more than KSh5 billion on various sporting activities like rugby, football, volleyball, athletics, chess, golf, among others. KCB has invested more than KSh2 billion on motorsports alone.
What to Expect at Safari Rally Kenya 2026
The Safari Rally Kenya 2026 is set to take place over four days in Naivasha. The rally route will cover a distance of 350 kilometres, and another 842 kilometres of liaison distance to cover the global rules.
The action starts on Thursday, 12th March, with the shakedown on the new Nawisa stage. Cars then face other stages, which are: Camp Moran, Mzabibu, Loldia, Geothermal, Kedong, Soysambu, Elementaita, Sleeping Warrior, Oserengoni, and Hell’s Gate before the prize-giving session.
Some of the top manufacturers across the globe like Toyota, Hyundai, Skoda, and M-Sport Ford are set to take part as well. All the big names associated with the sport like Sebastien Ogier, Thierry Neuville, and reigning champion Elfyn Evans have also entered the rally.
Safari Rally Kenya 2026 and Sustainability
Further, as part of the Safari Rally Kenya 2026, KCB is committed to promoting environmental initiatives as well. This includes the intention to plant 5,000 trees and engage over 60 high schools in green debates to educate the youth on the importance of the environment.
Sports PS Elijah Mwangi praised KCB for their continued support, saying that this sponsorship is helping grow local talents, creating opportunities for the community along the route that the rally passes through.
Safari Rally Kenya Chief Executive Officer Charles Gacheru stated that the rally remains an event of global importance that gives Kenya an opportunity to shine on a global platform.
The Safari Rally Kenya 2026 competition is anticipated to attract approximately 50 local and global teams, making it one of the most thrilling sporting events on the continent.
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