This weekend’s World Rally Championship Safari Rally received a major boost after sponsor’s Kenya Commercial Bank handed over a KSh50 million cheque towards the annual event that is slated for 5 – 7 July.
KCB Group Marketing and Communications Director Angela Mwirigi while making the announcement reiterated that the Bank will continue with its tradition of solid motorsport sponsorship in the coming years.
“KCB Bank Kenya will be the official banking partner for the 2019 Safari rally, we are envisaging to re-ignite the motorsport spirit in Kenya as we gear up for the return of the WRC” said Angela.
A total of 51 drivers have signed up for the historic event which will also double up as the fourth round of FIA African Rally Championship. The 2019 Safari Rally will run this weekend with the crews traversing Nairobi and Nakuru counties.
The rally will be flagged outside the presidential pavilion at Kasarani Stadium at 11am on Friday morning after which the crews will set off for a grueling 796.86 Kms around Nairobi, Kiambu and Nakuru counties.
Among the top contenders expected to spice up the competition are reigning two times Africa Champion Manvir Baryan, 5-times Safari Rally winner Carl Tundo, Zambian duo of Jassy Singh and Leroy Gomes and multiple Uganda Rally champion Ronald Ssebaguzi. Also in the mix is the legendary 1994 WRC Safari Rally winner Ian Duncan, 2 times winner Baldev Chager and 3 times Nakuru Rally winner Onkar Rai.
After the flag off at Kasarani, drivers will head to Sopa lodge for overnight perc- Ferme before embarking on Saturdays action in Soysambu and Kedon’g on Sunday ahead of the Prize giving ceremony at 4:30 pm on Sunday at Sopa Lodge.