Published on January 30, 2025 by Agencies for Kenya Online News
Last Updated on 1 year by Agencies for Kenya Online News
KCB Bank has reaffirmed its position as Kenya’s leading sports sponsor by renewing its commitment to the 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally for the fifth consecutive year.
The Bank has injected KShs. 209 million to the iconic motorsports event slated for March 20 – 23, 2025 in Naivasha, underscoring its dedication to developing talent, fostering national cohesion and driving economic growth through sports.
This year, KCB is sponsoring four local rally drivers including Nikhil Sachania, Evans Kavisi, Tinashe Gatimu and Karan Patel. Gatimu will be making her debut as part of KCB racing team while Kavisi will be bouncing back to rallying after a year-long hiatus.
Speaking at the official media launch in Nairobi Thursday morning, KCB Group CEO Paul Russo said: “The 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 Kenya’s socio-economic ambitions.”
Out of the sponsorship monies, KShs. 100 million will be allocated to the Kenya Motorsport Federation to facilitate preparations and logistics and ensure the event runs seamlessly. An additional KShs. 23 million will directly support four local drivers – Karan Patel, Nikhil Sachania, Tinashe Gatimu and Evans Kavisi. KShs. 86 million is set aside for activations, hospitality, branding and Revvvisha na KCB campaign that aims to encourage savings culture among Kenyans.
Since the return of the WRC Safari Rally to the Kenyan soil in 2021, KCB as the lead sponsor has spent KShs. 800 million and invested KShs. 2.3 billion in motorsports in the past two decades in a bid open more opportunities for drivers and navigators to develop and commercialize through their passion for motorsports and to elevate Kenya’s standing as a premier motorsports destination.
“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,” Noted Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Hon. Salim Mvurya.
The Bank is also keen on entrenching the sustainability agenda into motorsports, as a way of taking care of the Planet and the People, even as it pursues profits. It adopted SDG 13 on Climate Action and has prioritized environmental conservation through tree planting activities, with a target of growing 3,000 trees during this year’s rally. Additionally, an art competition for primary schools in Nakuru County will promote creativity and environmental awareness.
On the social pillar, KCB intends to ensure the safety of the spectators and drivers and empower small businesses, youth and women. The choice of drivers has also been driven by the consideration of diversity and inclusion.
As the world descends on Naivasha for the four-day action in March, activities will start at Kasarani on Thursday, March 20 for the ceremonial start and then cars will proceed to KICC for the Super Special Stage.
Action will head to Camp Moran and Morendat in Naivasha on Friday. On Saturday, the cars will pass Sleeping Warrior, Elementaita, Soysambu and Buffalo Mall. Sunday’s action will see cars go through Malewa, Oserian, Hell’s Gate and Hippo site before culminating in a prize-giving ceremony.
