Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) has announced its 3rd round sponsorship of Kes 195 million for the 2024 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally to be held from the 28th to 31st March.

The funds will also support two local rally drivers, Nikhil Sachania and Karan Patel.

The Safari Rally flag-off will be held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.

Speaking at the event, the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Sports and the Arts Ababu Namwamba lauded KCB for continued support in the sports industry and lauded the government for fulfilling its promise to support the rally.

“We insist on the importance of safety, security, and traffic management. There will be measures to strengthen the aspect of safety and security to ensure people have fun and be safe, so kindly follow the measures that will be provided,” he said.

On the other hand KCB Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Paul Russo, said that they take pride in sponsoring both the rally and the drivers to make this country proud.

“Over the years, we have spent over Sh1.7 billion in support of this motorsport. This year, KCB is renewing the sponsorship of the rally, having set aside Kes 195 million where Kes 100 million will go to the WRC safari rally and Kes 95 million will go to the brand activation and sponsoring of the two drivers.”

The 2024 Safari Rally is set to be different from the last edition as the organizers have shifted the sports event from June to Easter weekend to return the rally to its original soul, firm experience, and security.

Further, the starting point has been shifted from Uhuru Park to KICC whereas the price-giving venue has been shifted from Service Park to Hell’s Gate in Naivasha.

While receiving their cheques, one of the two rally drivers, Mr. Karan Patel stated that the dream is to win the African Rally Championships a few more times hopefully for the next 4-5 years.