KCB Bank have put Sh195 million into this year's World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally Kenya slated for March 28 – 31 in Nairobi and Nakuru counties.
The Bank will be the official financial partner for the four-day fourth leg of the world circuit in the WRC calendar. The investment includes Sh100 million to support preparations and logistics for the rally.
There is also a Sh16.6 million package for two local drivers, African Rally champion Karan Patel and Nikhil Sachania.The rest of the kitty will go into customer engagement campaigns and brand activations.
CEO Paul Russo said: “We take great pride in being part of the region’s motorsport history, since 2003, when we first sponsored the Safari Rally. We are glad to be part of this journey that has seen Kenya return to the top of the global motoring space. It is exciting to see that our sponsorship has resulted in the growth of motorsport in the region, opening up the sport to hundreds of young talents.”
The bank has spent Sh1.7 billion in motorsport sponsorships over the past 21 years through the Kenya National Rally Championship, Autocross and Safari Rally.
Cabinet Secretary for Sports Ababu Namwamba said: “We are proud to be associated with a reliable partner like KCB, who has once again showcased that, together, we can host such a world-class event. As the enthusiasm among Kenyans starts to build, we believe that we shall be able to offer them an exhilarating rallying experience like never before.”
The 2024 Safari Rally is expected to attract over 50 drivers including defending champion, Sebastien Ogier, as well as former champion, Kalle Rovanpera.
