As Kenya gears up for the third leg of the 2026 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) circuit, attention once again turns to Naivasha, where the iconic Safari Rally will bring together the world’s best rally drivers, motorsport fans and global media on 12–15 March. As a key sponsor of the rally, KCB Bank Kenya is not only investing in motorsport but also embedding sustainability at the heart of its involvement in the global spectacle.
But beyond the roar of engines and the thrill of competition, this year’s rally is also shaping up to be a platform for something bigger: a national conversation about sustainability.
The Bank has committed KES227 million to the 2026 WRC Safari Rally, marking the sixth consecutive year of sponsorship since the rally returned to Kenya in 2021. In total, KCB has now invested over KES980 million in the event, underscoring its long-term commitment to sports development, community empowerment and environmental stewardship.
This year, sustainability will take centre stage through a number of initiatives designed to engage communities and young people.
Among them is the first-ever KCB Green Debate Series, which is bringing together more than 30 secondary schools to engage in discussions around climate change, environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
The initiative seeks to inspire young people to think critically about environmental challenges while positioning them as future champions of sustainability.
“Debates are a structured way of exchanging opinions and coming up with solutions,” says Billy, the CEO of Debate Circle, the strategic partner for the series. “By engaging students in structured discussions on climate and sustainability issues, we are equipping them with the skills to think critically and contribute meaningfully to solving real-world problems.”
The debates have been taking place across different regions, where schools have competed in preliminary rounds, tackling topics such as clean energy transition, environmental responsibility and the role of institutions in addressing climate change.
These regional debates have gradually built momentum towards the grand finals scheduled for 28 March at Naivasha Girls High School, where the top schools will compete for top honours. The winning school will walk away with cash prizes, trophies and certificates, in addition to the title of Green Thought Leadership Champions.
Beyond the intellectual competition, the initiative is also encouraging practical environmental action. Participating schools are taking part in tree-planting activities, contributing to the Bank’s broader environmental agenda of planting and growing 1.5 million trees in 2026. This effort forms part of KCB’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s national goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
Beyond the debates and tree planting initiatives, KCB is also focusing on sustainable event management during the rally, particularly through enhanced waste management practices.
During last year’s rally, 26 tonnes of mixed waste were collected and sorted. Plastic waste was recycled into flower vases, eco tiles, and sand and ballast from glass bottles. Organic waste was turned into fertiliser, all highlighting the growing focus on reducing the environmental footprint of major sporting events.
In line with its commitment to sustainability and inclusion, the Bank is also supporting female participation in motorsport, sponsoring two female rally drivers, Queen Khalimpiya from Rwanda and Tinashe Gatimu from Kenya, who will compete alongside 44 other crews in this year’s Safari Rally. The rally itself is expected to attract around 50 local and international teams, including some of the biggest names in global rallying.
For KCB, the focus on sustainability during the rally is part of a much broader agenda embedded within the Bank’s operations.
The Bank has aligned its sustainability strategy with 14 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supporting initiatives across areas such as quality education, climate action, economic empowerment, sustainable communities, and partnerships for development.
According to Judith Sidi, Head of Sustainability, KCB, initiatives such as these demonstrate how sustainability can be integrated into everyday activities. “KCB is keen on going green, and this translates into nurturing a generation that understands the importance of protecting the environment and making responsible choices for the future,” she says.
By connecting motorsport with education, sustainability, and community engagement, KCB is transforming the Safari Rally into more than just a sporting event.
It is becoming a platform that inspires young people, empowers communities, and reinforces the importance of protecting the environment.
In this way, as rally cars power through the rugged landscapes of Naivasha, another powerful movement is taking shape, one driven by young voices, bold ideas, and a shared commitment to building a more sustainable future.
