KCB Bank Kenya, in collaboration with the KCB racing team drivers, has taken a proactive step towards environmental preservation by spearheading a tree planting exercise at Naivasha Boys Boarding Primary School.

As the 2023 WRC Safari Rally draws nearer, this initiative aims to protect the environment and promote sustainable practices.

Renowned motorsport personalities, including the 2014 Motorsport Personality of The Year Nikhil Sachania, navigators Absalom Aswani, Deep Patel, and Tauseef Khan, joined forces with the KCB team led by Judith Sidi, the Head of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs at KCB Bank.

Together, they planted an impressive total of 500 trees within the school compound.

This tree-planting endeavour holds great significance as it aligns with the ambitious goal of the Government of Kenya, aiming to plant 15 billion trees by 2032.

Demonstrating its dedication to this cause, KCB Bank has already planted over 160,000 trees in 943 schools, solidifying its commitment to sustainable practices.

Speaking during the tree planting exercise in Naivasha, Judith Sidi highlighted the pressing environmental challenges the world faces.

She emphasized the need for collective responsibility and decisive action to address deforestation, pollution, and climate change.

“Our environment is facing alarming levels of degradation through deforestation, pollution, and climate change. Each of us must take responsibility and decisive action to address these challenges," Sidi said.

"We understand the pollution effects the rally brings about, therefore, we must step up and double our efforts to mitigate this before, during and after the Safari."

Nikhil Sachania, KCB WRC-sponsored Safari Rally driver, and Michael Wachira, a class 8 pupil at Naivasha Boys Boarding Primary School. PHOTO/COURTESY

Evans Kavisi, Nikhil Sachania, and Karan Patel, the three drivers representing the KCB racing team, are set to proudly fly the Kenyan flag during this year's edition of the WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha.

The rally is scheduled to take place from June 22nd to 25th.

Notably, KCB recently announced a sponsorship of Sh150 million to support the Safari Rally and the three drivers.

The entry list for this legendary gravel event, known as the toughest fixture on the WRC calendar, boasts 10 top-level Rally1 cars, 11 WRC2 runners, and a five-strong WRC3 line-up.

The lineup includes prominent drivers such as Kalle Rovanperä and Sébastien Ogier, winners of the previous two editions, who will be driving Toyota GR Yaris cars.

Elfyn Evans and Takamoto Katsuta, the Japanese star and a two-time podium finisher in Kenya, have also confirmed their participation.

KCB Bank affirmed it takes great pride and passion in leading by example as environmental stewards, actively mainstreaming sustainability in motorsports.

The tree planting exercise serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment, timed perfectly ahead of the highly anticipated rally.

Through the active involvement of students and rallying enthusiasts in these captivating endeavours, KCB endeavours to kindle a flame of environmental awareness within the hearts of the upcoming generation.

With a steadfast objective of planting 1.2 million trees by 2028, KCB maintains unwavering determination in their quest for sustainability, thus guaranteeing a more environmentally friendly future for Kenya and beyond.