KCB Bank Kenya has set aside KShs.227 million for the 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally Kenya, marking the sixth consecutive year of sponsorship since the iconic rally made its historic return to Kenya.
100 million will go directly to the Safari Rally Kenya, while KShs. 28.5 million will be spent on the 5 KCB-sponsored – Karan Patel, Nikhil Sachania, Tinashe Gatimu, Queen Kalimpinya from Rwanda, and Uganda’s Oscar Ntambi.
The rest of the funds will be spent on activations and marketing.
While presenting the sponsorship cheque to the Sports Principal Secretary, Elijah Mwangi Tuesday morning, KCB Group CEO Paul Russo said: “Our sponsorship demonstrates our commitment to driving sustainable impact, supporting local talent, and stimulating economic activity across tourism, trade, and enterprise among other sectors.”
“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.”
The rally will cover a competitive distance of 350.02 kilometers, supported by a liaison distance of 842.9 kilometers, in line with FIA requirements.
The four-day event will be based in Naivasha, a move designed to meet the FIA 2026 sporting regulations on distances and crew working hours, moving away from the usual ceremonial flag off in Nairobi.
On Thursday, March 12, there will be a shakedown at the newly introduced Nawisa stage followed by a ceremonial flag off before the cars pass Camp Moran and Mzabibu stages.
On Friday, March 13, cars will compepete in Camp Moran, Loldia, Geothermal, and Kedong.
The 3rd day Saturday , March 14,the action will head to Soysambu, Elementaita, and Sleeping Warrior, before concluding with an autograph signing at Mzabibu.
Sunday, March 15, marks an electric day of action as cars rev off from Oserengoni, Hell’s Gate, before passing the Wolf Power Stage in the afternoon, culminating in the prize-giving ceremony.
“KCB’s sustained investment has helped grow local talent, attract global attention, and unlock opportunities for communities along the rally route. We commend the Bank for being a dependable partner in advancing sports development and youth empowerment in Kenya,” said PS Mwangi.
The entry list features some of the sport’s biggest names, including Sebastien Ogier, Thierry Neuville, defending Safari Rally champion Elfyn Evans, and Grégoire Munster, among others.
The Bank will embed sustainability at the heart of the rally, with an ambitious target of planting and growing 5,000 trees this year, in line with the government’s agenda to plant 15 billion trees by 2032.
