- Of the Sh100mn, Sh9mn will go towards sponsoring two drivers
- KCB has been sponsoring the rally for three years
- The Safari Rally is scheduled for June 23-26
With three weeks left before the WRC Safari Rally revs off at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), organizers have received a massive boost with the Kenya Commercial Bank announcing a Sh100mn sponsorship towards the rally.
The bank has been a Safari Rally partner for the past three years and this will be the second they will be partnering for the Safari Rally. The amount will be a huge addition to the organizers as they seek to organize a better and more challenging event.
This will be the second year the Safari Rally will be part of the WRC Circuit, making it the seventh stop of this season.
“We take pleasure that our sponsorship has sustained motorsport and helped build a critical mass of talent competing on local and international platforms. The ambition is to progress this association into the elite level of global rallying,” said KCB’s Group Chief Executive Officer Paul Russo.
the KCB top management with the two drivers
He added; “We look forward to an exciting three days of rally and KCB is excited to be part of this growth.”
As part of the Sh100mn sponsorship, Sh9mn will go towards sponsoring two local drivers to ensure they are best prepared for the rally.
KCB has settled on disabled driver Nikhil Sachania and Evans Kavisi as its two flagbearers for the event.
“We have settled on young, brave and brilliant talent with the hunger to win and we believe with clear stewardship and support, they will bring glory to Kenya and Africa as a whole,” said KCB Group Chairman Andrew Kairu.
Sachania finished 21st last year while Kavisi did not complete the rally after encountering mechanical issues.
“We are really excited for this sponsorship. It takes a lot to remain in the sport and it is nice to get support. Without it some of these evens we can decide to stay away like we have done for the bulk of the season,” Kavisi said.
The KCB branded Mitsubishi Evo 10 driven by Nikhil Sachania
His sentiments were shared by Sachania who noted;
“It is amazing and surreal. I can’t really put words into it. I am really excited that they have taken me on board and I will now look to give them good results,” Sachania said.
Kenya Motorsports Federation boss Phineas Kimathi says he is excited with the new sponsorship from KCB and says it will go a long way in boosting the preparedness of the exciting rally.
“It is exciting that we have such kind of sponsorship and this will help us to prepare in the best way possible. We are excited as the rally dates approach and we look forward to a great three days of action,” said Kimathi.
He added; “KCB’s commitment to nurturing and developing sports in the country is unmatched. The sponsorship of the two drivers ensures that Team Kenya is well represented in this year’s circuit,” he said. “This year’s fete is ground-breaking with the technological advancements made and specifically focusing on a sustainable future for all through rallying.”
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