CFAO Mobility Kenya has committed Sh48.5 million to support the organisation of the 2026 WRC Safari Rally, deepening its involvement in Kenya’s motorsport ecosystem.
The company said the latest sponsorship brings its total investment in the rally to more than Sh153 million over the past six years, reinforcing its commercial partnership with the event and its broader push to develop motorsport talent in the country.
Speaking at the sponsorship cheque handover, CFAO Mobility Kenya Managing Director Arvinder Reel said the firm’s participation goes beyond branding and aims to strengthen the sport’s development pipeline.
“Our commitment goes beyond sponsorship. We are investing in the growth of motorsport and will continue to champion initiatives that nurture young talent and elevate Kenya’s rally standing on the global stage,” he said.
As part of the initiative, CFAO Mobility Kenya donated two rally-spec Toyota Starlet cars to support the Safari Rally Training School Project.
Built to FIA Rally5 standards, the vehicles were developed in collaboration with Kenyan automotive engineers and technicians at a cost of Sh34.5 million.
The cars were officially presented earlier this week to the President at State House, underscoring the government’s backing for motorsport development in the country.
In addition, the company has developed a prototype Cross Car for junior rally drivers aged 12 to 17, at a cost of about Sh3.7 million. The vehicle will introduce younger drivers to competitive motorsport and create a structured development pathway for emerging talent.
CFAO Mobility Kenya has also partnered with Botterill Motor Sport to develop a formal rally training curriculum and plans a training camp for local drivers and navigators. The curriculum will be handed over to the Safari Rally secretariat to ensure continuity beyond the event.
Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi commended the company’s contribution, saying the investment could expand Kenya’s motorsport skills base and manufacturing capability.
He said the project should also work with the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) to build technical skills and support local automotive production.
The sponsorship announcement was accompanied by a fan engagement event featuring Toyota Gazoo Racing Team drivers, including championship leader Elfyn Evans, rising Finnish talent Sami Pajari, and deputy team principal Juha Kankkunen, a former Safari Rally winner in 1985.
Reel also highlighted the continued role of the Toyota Hilux as the rally’s “double zero” and “triple zero” opening cars since the Safari Rally returned to the World Rally Championship calendar, saying this underscores the vehicle’s durability and reliability in extreme rally conditions.
The Safari Rally has become one of Kenya’s most prominent global sporting events, attracting international teams, drivers, and thousands of spectators each year while boosting the country’s tourism and motorsport profile.
