Patel, Gatimu and Sachania raring to go at Safari Rally
Preparations intensify as KCB Bank pumps Sh227 million in the Naivasha showdown. Kenyan leg set to rev-off on March 12 and will be defended by Elfyn Evans of Toyota Gazoo...
✨ Key Highlights
Double African Rally Champion Karan Patel, paraplegic speedster Nikhil Sachania, and rising talent Tinashe Gatimu are preparing intensely for the 2026 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha from March 12-15. Their participation is bolstered by a significant sponsorship from KCB Bank Kenya.
- KCB Bank Kenya sponsored the WRC Safari Rally with Sh227 million, with Sh100 million for logistics and Sh28.5 million directly supporting drivers like Gatimu, Patel, and Sachania.
- Karan Patel aims for a three-peat in the African Rally Championship (ARC) and hopes his Ford Fiesta Rally2 will perform well against the challenging Fesh Fesh dust.
- Tinashe Gatimu has upgraded to a Ford Fiesta Rally3 car and plans to compete in all ARC legs this year, targeting a continental win with her mother, Caroline, as co-driver.
- Nikhil Sachania is focused on defending his Rally3 category title in the Safari Rally and the ARC, partnered with co-driver Deep Patel.
- The event, flagged off by KCB Group CEO Paul Russo, emphasizes support for local talent and economic stimulation through tourism.
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Kenyan Sports Venues Face Upgrades and High Demand as Safari Rally Preparations Continue - February 2026
All 15,000 tickets for the HSBC SVNS 2 rugby tournament at Nyayo Stadium have sold out, with Sports PS Elijah Mwangi urging fans to plan ahead. This marks the first time the series is being staged in the region. The Local Organising Committee (LOC) has also warned that Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums will be closed for upgrades ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will cause disruptions to Kenyan football league fixtures. Separately, drivers are preparing for the 2026 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha. Double African Rally Champion Karan Patel, paraplegic speedster Nikhil Sachania, and rising talent Tinashe Gatimu are preparing for the event, which is scheduled for March 12-15 and is sponsored by KCB Bank Kenya.
