Boost for WRC as KCB commits Ksh 100 million towards the event

The forthcoming 2021 World Rally Championship (WRC) have received a shot in the arm after KCB Bank Kenya committed KSh100 million in sponsorship towards the event.

The championship which returns to Kenya after almost two-decade hiatus will be held between June 24-27.

Speaking while presenting the support to Amina Mohamed, the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture and Heritage, KCB Group CEO and MD Joshua Oigara said the Bank is keen on further deepening its contribution towards sports in the East African region, as a way of supporting communities and building a critical mass of sporting talents.

“We take pleasure that our sponsorship has sustained motorsport and helped build a critical mass of talent competing in local and international platforms. The ambition is to progress this association into the elite level of global rallying. We believe the upcoming event is a great opportunity to demonstrate Kenya’s growing credentials as a global sports powerhouse,” he said.

 Over the past 18 years, KCB has invested over KShs.1.2 billion towards supporting motorsports, largely rallies and autocross circuits, through Kenya Motorsports Federation (KMSF). Additionally, over the past decade, KCB has invested KShs.820 million in supporting the Bank’s sports teams—football, volleyball, rugby, and chess. 

 “The sponsorship is a significant milestone for the Safari Rally as we have an indigenous institution supporting one of the most iconic events in Africa. KCB has been proactive in supporting sporting activities and nurturing of talents around the country across all the games,” she said.

The WRC competition which will see the return of World’s best WRC drivers in the Kenyan soil. This year’s championship will cover 797 kilometers in Nairobi, Naivasha and Kiambu counties, said Phineas Kimathi, Chairman KMSF and Chief Executive, WRC Safari Rally. 

“After successfully staging African Rally Championship (ARC) Equator Rally over the weekend, we are confident that we can host a bigger and even more exciting event,” he stated.