Teen rally sensation Tinashe Gatimu is slated to compete in the 2025 WRC Safari Rally from March 20-23 in Naivasha, Nakuru County, as she aims to cement her place among the world’s elite.

The 18-year-old KCB racing team driver, who will be making her third appearance in the gruelling World Rally Championship (WRC) event, has intensified preparations with rigorous testing sessions alongside her navigator and mother, Caroline Gatimu.

The duo recently fine-tuned their Subaru Impreza GC8 at Twisty Corners, focusing on engine upgrades and kick-off power enhancements.

“Today, we are out here testing the car to improve on the things we need to work on. For me, it’s also about getting physically ready for the event. Competing in the WRC is an amazing feeling. So far, we have changed the engine, and it’s performing well. Next, we will do some tuning to give us more kick-off power,” Tinashe said after the session.

Her participation in the global event marks a significant milestone in her young career, as she joins over 50 international rally crews battling the unforgiving Naivasha terrain.

Backed by strong family support and sponsorship, she is determined to leave a mark.

“I have an incredible group of people supporting me through the journey, helping me navigate the challenges of the sport. My parents have been instrumental in my rallying career, and our sponsors have eased our participation in this prestigious event,” she added.

Tinashe is part of the formidable KCB racing team comprising African Rally Champion Karan Patel, Nikhil Sachania as well as Evans Kavisi.

The squad recently received a Sh23 million boost from KCB, reaffirming the bank’s commitment to rallying success.

With weeks to go before Kenya’s biggest motorsport event, Gatimu and her teammates are fine-tuning their machines and strategies, eager to take on the world’s best in one of the toughest rallies on the WRC calendar.