Kenya’s KCB racing team drivers, Nikhil Sachania and Karan Patel, have ramped up preparations for the highly anticipated World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally, set to roar into action in Naivasha from March 20 to 23.

The duo spent the past weekend in Athi River, fine-tuning their machines in a rigorous testing session aimed at tackling the unforgiving Safari terrain.

Patel, the reigning African Rally Champion, confirmed their readiness after an extensive car overhaul, stating, “The engine, gearbox, and other critical components have been upgraded to ensure peak performance.”

Similarly, Sachania, the only paraplegic driver on the WRC calendar, will debut his newly acquired Ford Fiesta Rally3, shifting from his previous Mitsubishi Evo X.

“This car is lighter, faster, and more aggressive, allowing for better handling and precision in corners,” he said.

The KCB racing team, which also includes Evans Kavisi and Tinashe Gatimu, recently secured a Sh23 million sponsorship from KCB for the grueling four-day event.

The bank further announced a Sh209 million sponsorship for the WRC Safari Rally, reinforcing its status as Kenya’s biggest motorsports backer.

With global rally crews set to descend on Naivasha, Kenya’s top drivers are leaving nothing to chance as they aim for a strong showing in one of the toughest rallies on the WRC calendar.

Mother-daughter duo

Similarly, Tinashe Gatimu alongside her mother and navigator Caroline Gatimu will join the formidable KCB team of Sachania and Patel, and Evans Kavisi.

They too, recently finished fine-tuning their Subaru Impreza GC8 focussing on engine upgrades and kick-off power enhacements.
This will be the third time that the young gun, part of the KCB team, will be taking part in the grueling World Rally Championship (WRC) event.