KCB Bank Kenya has put KShs. 195 million into this year’s World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally Kenya slated for March 28^th – 31st, 2024 in Naivasha, Nakuru County.

The Bank will be the official Financial Partner for the 4-day fourth leg of the world circuit in the WRC calendar, cementing the Bank’s position as one of the biggest sponsors of sports in East Africa.

KCB 2024 investment includes KShs. 100 million to WRC Safari Rally Kenya to support preparations and logistics for the rally. The Bank has set aside an additional KShs. 16.6 million for sponsorship of two local drivers – Karan Patel who is the reigning African Rally Champion, and Nikhil Sachania. The balance will go into various customer engagement campaigns and brand activations.

KCB Group CEO Paul Russo said: “We take great pride in being part of the region’s motorsport story, since 2003, when we first sponsored the Safari Rally. We are glad to have been part of this transformational 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 talent.”

KCB has a rich history in the sports sponsorship arena. Our involvement in sports goes way back to several decades ago. During the period, the bank has spent KShs. 2.5 billion in support of rugby, golf, athletics, motorsports, football, volleyball, and rugby with a robust aim of opening doors of opportunities for young people to realize their dreams in line with the Group’s brand purpose, For People. For Better.

As a result, KCB has spent over KShs 1.7 Billion in motorsports over the past 21 years through the Kenya National Rally Championship, Autocross, and the Safari Rally.

“KCB is keen to continue entrenching the sustainability agenda into motorsports, as a way of taking care of the Planet and the People. We see motorsports as a great platform for change, to provoke positive climate impact while simultaneously driving inclusivity by integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), specifically in managing risks and opportunities related to environment and the society,” he added during the announcement of the sponsorship in Nairobi this morning.

In this regard, KCB has adopted SDG 13 on Climate Action and has prioritized environmental conservation through tree planting activities, with a target of growing 300,000 trees this year, working with other partners. Last year, the Bank planted 320,000 trees and this year by joining hands with WRC we are bound to drive this initiative further. We will also be prioritizing waste management initiatives to promote recycling and minimize waste production throughout the four days of rallying.

“On the social pillar, we will be keen to ensure the safety of the spectators and drivers during this rally sport event as we are aware of the potential dangers that come with the sport. This will be supported by good governance in which we will ensure comprehensive and clear rules and regulations that cover all aspects of the sport are implemented.  The Bank will be promoting inclusivity and diversity within the sport by empowering small businesses, youth and women, and underrepresented groups. This will be seen through our choice of support towards the 2 drivers and vendors who will be brought in to support the event,” he added.

Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports Ababu Namwamba, said: “We are proud to be associated with a reliable partner like KCB which 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.”

As a reward to its loyal customers, the Bank has launched a deposit campaign during this period dubbed Gurumisha na KCB Promotion, focusing on promoting savings and allowing KCB customers to win great prizes of up to Kshs 500,000 weekly. The bank seeks to drive positive change and make a meaningful impact in the communities it serves.

Christened as one of the toughest competitions in the WRC calendar, the 2024 Safari Rally is expected to attract over 50 local drivers including the defending Champion, Sebastian Ogier, as well as former Champion, Kalle Rovanperä.