KCB Bank Kenya has committed KSh 227 million towards the 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally Kenya, extending its sponsorship of the iconic motorsport event to a sixth consecutive year since its historic return to the country in 2021.
The latest allocation brings KCB’s total investment in the global rally showpiece to KSh 980 million over the past six years, underlining the bank’s long-term commitment to motorsports development, local talent growth, and Kenya’s positioning on the international sporting stage.
Of the 2026 sponsorship package, KSh 100 million will go directly to the Safari Rally Kenya organisers, while KSh 28.5 million has been earmarked to support five KCB-sponsored drivers. These include Kenya’s Karan Patel, Nikhil Sachania, Tinashe Gatimu, Rwanda’s Queen Kalimpinya, and Uganda’s Oscar Ntambi. The remaining funds will be deployed towards rally activations and marketing initiatives.
Sustained Investment in Sports and Economic Impact
While presenting the sponsorship cheque to Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, KCB Group Chief Executive Officer Paul Russo said the bank’s continued involvement in the rally reflects a broader strategy of delivering sustainable impact beyond the sporting arena.
Russo noted that KCB’s sports sponsorships are designed to support local talent while stimulating economic activity across tourism, trade, and enterprise, particularly in host regions along rally routes.
He added that the Group intends to continue leveraging its experience and scale in sports sponsorships across East Africa to support athletes and teams competing at global, regional, and local levels across multiple disciplines.
Over the past two decades, KCB has spent more than KSh 5 billion supporting sports in Kenya, including motorsports, rugby, chess, volleyball, football, golf, and athletics. Within motorsports alone, the bank has invested over KSh 2 billion, providing local drivers with opportunities to compete in domestic, regional, and international events.
Rally Route and 2026 Schedule Details
The 2026 Safari Rally Kenya will feature a total competitive distance of 350.02 kilometres, supported by a liaison distance of 842.9 kilometres, in compliance with Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) requirements.
The four-day rally will be headquartered in Naivasha, aligning with FIA 2026 sporting regulations on distances and crew working hours. This marks a shift from the traditional ceremonial flag-off in Nairobi, reflecting evolving global motorsport standards.
Action will begin on Thursday, March 12, with a shakedown at the newly introduced Nawisa stage, followed by a ceremonial flag-off and competitive runs through Camp Moran and Mzabibu stages.
On Friday, March 13, crews will tackle Camp Moran, Loldia, Geothermal, and Kedong stages. Saturday’s stages will see cars pass through Soysambu, Elementaita, and Sleeping Warrior, before concluding the day with an autograph signing session at Mzabibu.
The rally will climax on Sunday, March 15, with stages at Oserengoni and Hell’s Gate, before drivers take on the Wolf Power Stage in the afternoon. The event will conclude with the prize-giving ceremony later that day.
Government and Organisers Applaud KCB’s Role
Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi praised KCB for its consistent backing of the Safari Rally, noting that the bank’s investment has played a key role in developing local motorsport talent and attracting global attention to Kenya.
Mwangi said the sponsorship has also unlocked economic opportunities for communities along the rally route, while advancing youth empowerment through sports.
Safari Rally Kenya Chief Executive Officer Charles Gacheru described the event as a growing global sporting spectacle that continues to draw fans, competitors, and manufacturers from around the world.
He said the rally remains a powerful platform for showcasing Kenya internationally while inspiring the next generation of local motorsport talent.
Sustainability and Youth Engagement at the Core
As part of its 2026 sponsorship, KCB will embed sustainability initiatives at the heart of the rally. The bank has set a target of planting and growing 5,000 trees during this year’s event, supporting the government’s ambition to plant 15 billion trees by 2032.
In addition, KCB will engage more than 60 high schools through a curated green debate series aimed at promoting environmental awareness, critical thinking, and youth participation in sustainability conversations linked to major national events.
Global Stars and Manufacturers Confirmed
The 2026 Safari Rally Kenya is expected to attract 50 local and international teams, with top manufacturers including Toyota, Hyundai, Škoda, and M-Sport Ford already confirmed to compete.
The entry list features some of the biggest names in world rallying, including Sebastien Ogier, Thierry Neuville, defending Safari Rally champion Elfyn Evans, and Grégoire Munster.
As the third round of the WRC season, the Safari Rally remains one of the championship’s most demanding events, renowned for its unforgiving terrain, unpredictable weather, and close interaction with wildlife. The refined 2026 schedule will pack 20 special stages into four intense days of competition, reinforcing the rally’s reputation as the ultimate test of survival in the WRC calendar.
