By Eddah Waithaka
KCB Bank has once again affirmed its position as Kenya’s leading sports sponsor by announcing a generous contribution of KShs. 209 million to the highly anticipated 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally.
This marks the fifth consecutive year of the bank’s partnership with this prestigious motorsports event, taking place from March 20 to 23, 2025, in Naivasha.
This year, KCB is supporting four local rally drivers: Nikhil Sachania, Evans Kavisi, Tinashe Gatimu, and Karan Patel. Gatimu will be joining the KCB racing team for her debut, while Kavisi is returning to the sport after a year away from rallying.
Speaking at the official media launch in Nairobi Thursday morning, KCB Group CEO Paul Russo said: âThe WRC Safari Rally is more than just a motorsport event. We see it as a platform to showcase Kenya’s potential on the global stage. At KCB, we believe in pushing boundaries, and through our support, we hope to enable Kenyan drivers to excel while supporting Kenyaâs socioeconomic ambitions.â
From the sponsorship funds, KShs. 100 million will be directed to the Kenya Motorsport Federation to assist with preparations and logistics, ensuring the event proceeds smoothly.
Additionally, KShs. 23 million will be allocated to directly support four local driversâKaran Patel, Nikhil Sachania, Tinashe Gatimu, and Evans Kavisi. Moreover, KShs. 86 million will be reserved for activations, hospitality, branding, and the “Revvvisha na KCB” campaign, which seeks to promote a culture of saving among Kenyans.
Since the WRC Safari Rally made its return to Kenya in 2021, KCB, as the main sponsor, has invested KSh 800 million. Over the last twenty years, the bank has allocated a total of KSh 2.3 billion to motorsports.
This investment aims to create more opportunities for drivers and navigators to advance their careers and monetize their passion for motorsports, while also enhancing Kenya’s reputation as a leading destination for motorsports.
“The WRC Safari Rally has become a hallmark of Kenya’s global sporting calendar, attracting thousands of visitors and injecting billions into our economy. We commend KCB Bank for its steadfast commitment to not only this event but also the broader development of sports in Kenya. Their support ensures that local talents continue to shine on the global stage,â said the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Hon. Salim Mvurya.
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The Bank is committed to integrating sustainability into motorsports, balancing its profit goals with a responsibility to the Planet and its People. It has embraced Sustainable Development Goal 13, which focuses on Climate Action, and has set aside KSh 1 million to emphasize environmental conservation efforts, specifically through tree planting initiatives, aiming to grow 300,000 trees this year.
Further, an art competition targeting primary schools in Nakuru County aims to foster both creativity and environmental consciousness. On the social front, KCB is focused on ensuring the safety of both spectators and drivers while also empowering small businesses, youth, and women.
The selection of drivers has prioritized diversity and inclusion. As the world gathers in Naivasha for four days of thrilling activities in March, events will kick off at Kasarani on Thursday, March 20, with a ceremonial start, followed by the continuation of the races to the KICC for the Super Special Stage.
On Friday, activities will move to Camp Moran and Morendat in Naivasha. Saturdayâs route will take the cars past Sleeping Warrior, Elementaita, Soysambu, and Buffalo Mall.
The final day, Sunday, will feature the vehicles navigating through Malewa, Oserian, Hellâs Gate, and Hippo site, concluding with a prize-giving ceremony.
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