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KCB accelerates green agenda through WRC Safari Rally sponsorship

The institution has directed Sh1 million from its WRC sponsorship towards conservation efforts

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by FELIX KIPKEMOI

News13 March 2025 - 05:40
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In Summary


  • The tree-planting event, hosted at Karuri Primary School and Gachie High School in Nairobi, aligns with Kenya’s ambitious 15-billion-tree goal by 2032.
  • Statistics from the state show that the forest cover increased from 5.9 per cent in 2018 to 8.83 per cent in 2021.
KCB rally drivers Evans Kavisi (left) and Tinashe Gatimu pose for a photo with KCB Director of Marketing and Communications Roselind Gichuru and Director, Investment Banking Maurice Opiyo during a tree planting exercise at Karura primary school/HANDOUT

Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) has ramped up its environmental conservation efforts by integrating sustainability initiatives into its motorsport sponsorship.

As preparations for the 2025 WRC Safari Rally intensify, the bank is leveraging its support for rallying to champion environmental stewardship.

This year’s rally will take place from March 20 to 23 in Naivasha, Nakuru County.

As part of its commitment to sustainability, the KCB-sponsored drivers Evans Kavisi, alongside rally sensation Tinashe Gatimu, have taken the lead in promoting environmental stewardship ahead of the iconic event.

Gatimu, who is part of the KCB racing team, has been fine-tuning her Subaru GC8 for the competition while also engaging in conservation activities.

Together with KCB-sponsored driver Evans Kavisi, Tinashe participated in a tree-planting exercise organized by KCB.

Motorsport is about precision, endurance, and resilience—qualities that also define our approach to sustainability,” said Tinashe Gatimu.

As drivers, we are responsible for more than just the speed; we must ensure that the rally leaves a positive impact on our communities and the environment. As a woman in motorsport, I also want to show that we can lead both on the track and in championing sustainability efforts that secure a better future for the next generation.”

The tree-planting event, hosted at Karuri Primary School and Gachie High School in Nairobi, aligns with Kenya’s ambitious 15-billion tree goal by 2032.

Statistics from the state show that the forest cover increased from 5.9 per cent in 2018 to 8.83 per cent in 2021.

The national tree cover stands at 12.13 per cent, above the constitutional target of 10 per cent.

Results generated from the National Forest Resources Assessment 2021 show that the country has 5.2 million hectares of national forest cover, which represents 8.83 per cent of the total area.

KCB said the ongoing initiatives underscore its long-standing commitment to environmental action, having already directed Sh1 million from its WRC sponsorship towards conservation efforts.

This year, KCB has further intensified its sustainability agenda by integrating community engagement, education, and long-term environmental impact into its rallying initiatives.

Sustainability is no longer an option—it’s an imperative,” said Rosalind Gichuru, Group Director of Marketing and Communication, KCB Group PLC.

At KCB, we are embedding sustainability into everything we do, from motorsport sponsorships to banking solutions. Our commitment extends beyond financial services to protecting our environment and ensuring a greener future for Kenya.”

In 2025, KCB has committed to planting 3,000 trees, building on a green legacy that has already seen over 100,000 trees planted since 2021.

With global attention focused on Kenya during the WRC Safari Rally, initiatives like these showcase how high-performance racing and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

Beyond the roar of the engines, KCB-sponsored drivers, including Karan Patel, Nikhil Sachania, and Evans Kavisi, and their navigators have played an active role in KCB’s afforestation journey.

Year after year, they have participated in tree-planting initiatives across the country, reinforcing their dedication to environmental conservation and sustainable rallying.

As the countdown to the 2025 WRC Safari Rally continues, KCB remains steadfast in its mission to drive sustainability forward—on and off the track.

KCB Bank's footprint in sports support in the country is expansive and cuts across various sports disciplines.

The bank has its sports brand assets that include the KCB Women Volleyball Club, KCB Football Club and KCB Rugby Club, besides other sports including Chess, athletics, and golf

The long-standing tradition of sponsoring major sporting events in the country has seen the Bank pump millions of shillings in sponsorships over the years.

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