KCB has strengthened its rally lineup with the inclusion of two new local drivers ahead of the 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally.
This year’s Safari Rally is set for March 20-23 in Nairobi and Nakuru counties with the flag off set for City Hall Way.
During the 2024 edition, KCB was represented by reigning African Rally Champion Karan Patel and Nikhil Sachania.
However, for this year’s challenge, the bank has added the mother-daughter duo of driver Tinashe Gatimu and co-driver Caroline Gatimu—who impressed while representing Vivo Energy in last year’s Safari Rally.
Further joining the KCB ranks is the experienced duo of driver Evans Kavisi and co-driver Absalom Aswani—marking their return to competitive rallying after a two-year hiatus.
Patel, alongside co-driver Tauseef Khan and Sachania, paired with Deep Patel, completes a formidable four-car lineup.
KCB Group CEO Paul Russo officially welcomed the recruits, expressing confidence in their ability to deliver strong performances.
“We are delighted to bring Tinashe into the KCB fold and look forward to a successful partnership. We also welcome Evans back to the team. It’s great to have both of you on board for this year’s rally,” Russo said.
KCB has ramped up its sponsorship for the 2025 Safari Rally, injecting Sh209 million, an increase from the Sh194 million committed in 2024.
“This year, we are reaffirming our commitment to the Safari Rally with a renewed sponsorship package,” Russo announced.
“Out of the total sponsorship amount, Sh100 million will go directly into supporting the WRC Safari Rally, Sh23 million will fund the four local drivers while the rest will be channelled into brand activation.”
Russo underscored the bank’s long-standing support for motorsport, highlighting KCB’s pivotal role in Kenya’s return to the WRC in 2021 after an 18-year absence.
“KCB takes great pride in having been part of the Safari Rally journey since 2003. We are very glad to be part of this transformational journey that led Kenya’s return to the top of the global motoring space,” he noted.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya commended KCB for its unwavering support of the Safari Rally and its investment in local talent.
“It is my pleasure on behalf of the government to commend KCB for consistently supporting the Rally. KCB has played a big role, not only in inspiring the rally but also in supporting the rally drivers in Kenya,” Mvurya said.
Mvurya reiterated that the government would continue to support
the bank as it aims to transform the
sporting landscape in the nation.
