Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba unveiled the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Group's Sh150 million sponsorship for the highly anticipated World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally.

The event was held on Friday at the historic Kencom offices scheduled to take place from June 22 to 26 this year.

It marked a significant milestone in the growth of motorsport in the region, thanks to KCB Group's unwavering support.

During the unveiling, KCB Group CEO Paul Russo expressed his delight in witnessing the positive impact of their long-standing sponsorship on the development of motorsport, which has paved the way for emerging talents.

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Paul Russo. PHOTO | COURTESY


"It is a great pleasure to see that our sponsorship over the years has resulted in the growth of motorsport in the region opening up the sport to many talents,” Russo said.

Russo, emphasized the company's longstanding association with East Africa's motorsport journey since their initial sponsorship of the Safari Rally in the early 2000s.

"We take great pride in being part of East Africa's motorsport story since the early 2000s when we first sponsored the Safari rally. This marks another chapter in our story and reiterates our commitment to supporting sports," he added.

Ababu Namwamba. PHOTO/MAC OTANI

Namwamba echoed this sentiment, noting the rallying event will reinforce the country’s growing profile as a global sporting destination.

"We are putting together yet another massive rallying event to reinforce Kenya's growing profile as a global sporting arena,” Namwamba said.

Ababu Namwamba. PHOTO/MAC OTANI


In a show of continued commitment to the World Rally Championship, KCB Group announced a substantial sponsorship amount of Sh150 million for the 2023 event.

This reaffirmation demonstrated the organization's dedication to promoting Kenya's growing profile as a global sporting arena.

The event was significant for KCB Group, as it symbolized the intersection of their rich heritage and the esteemed Safari Rally.

PHOTO/MAC OTANI

Rosalind Gichuru, KCB Group Director of Marketing and Communications, expressed her excitement at the development and hosting of the event.

"I am excited to have you here for this momentous event at Kencom that sits at the centre of KCB's rich heritage, as does the Safari Rally," Gichuru said.

Rosalind Gichuru. PHOTO | COURTESY

Gichuru further emphasized KCB's dedication to supporting the government's initiatives, particularly the Safari Rally, as it celebrated its third year since its revival.

"As we celebrate the third year of the comeback, KCB is proud to be walking the journey with the Government of Kenya and Safari Rally Kenya to support this initiative,” she said.

PHOTO/MAC OTANI

With KCB Group's generous sponsorship, the forthcoming WRC Safari Rally is set to captivate motorsport enthusiasts and showcase Kenya's prowess on the global stage.

The event promises to be a thrilling spectacle, attracting renowned rally drivers and further solidifying Kenya's position as a prominent destination for world-class motorsport events.