KCB Bank Kenya has pledged a substantial KShs. 150 million to support the highly anticipated 2023 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally, reinforcing their commitment to sports development and empowering youth.
The bank proudly assumes the role of Official Financial Partner for the championship, set to thrill motorsport enthusiasts from June 22 to 25, 2023, in Nakuru County.
This year’s edition marks the third year since the Safari Rally’s triumphant return to the esteemed WRC calendar.
Out of the total sponsorship amount, KShs. 100 million will be directly allocated to the 2023 WRC Safari Rally event, while KShs. 50 million will bolster sponsorship for three local drivers, enhance branding efforts, and facilitate engaging customer experiences.
KCB Bank has renewed its sponsorship commitment to two accomplished Kenyan drivers, Evans Kavisi and Nikhil Sachania, while warmly welcoming Karan Patel to the KCB-sponsored team.
Over the past two decades, KCB has invested over KShs. 1.5 billion, with a significant milestone being the Safari Rally’s revival and return to the esteemed World Rally Championships after a long-awaited two-decade absence.
Mr. Paul Russo, the Chief Executive Officer of KCB Group, expressed immense pride, stating, “Since our initial sponsorship of the Safari Rally in 2003, we have been honored to be part of East Africa’s motorsport journey.
This sponsorship marks yet another chapter in our story, reaffirming our dedication to supporting sports as we joyously celebrate the historic return of the WRC Safari Rally to Kenyan soil.”
Russo further added, “We take great pleasure in witnessing how our long-standing sponsorship has contributed to the growth of motorsport in the region, thereby opening doors for numerous young talents.”
In 2019, KCB assumed the role of Official Financial Partner for the Safari Rally Kenya in the World Rally Championship (WRC), committing KShs. 250 million over three years, commencing with a WRC Candidate event held in June 2019.
Ababu Namwamba, the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Sports, and the Arts, expressed excitement, stating, “We are gearing up for yet another extraordinary rallying event, further solidifying Kenya’s burgeoning reputation as a global sporting hub.”
Additionally, KCB announced its commitment to promoting sustainability, with Mr. Russo highlighting their championing of initiatives such as tree planting, recycling, and waste management leading up to, during, and after the Safari Rally. He further emphasized KCB’s collaboration with other partners in a joint effort to plant 400,000 trees across several counties throughout the year.
