The Safari Rally Kenya, part of the World Rally Championship, delivered another thrilling chapter in global motorsport as the KCB Rally Team produced an impressive performance, led by driver Karan Patel and navigator Tauseef Khan.
The duo emerged as the highest-placed Kenyan crew in the gruelling rally held in Naivasha, while also securing victory in the African Rally Championship (ARC) category, to take an early lead in the 2026 continental championship standings.
Driving through the unforgiving terrain that defines the Safari Rally, Patel broke a four-year streak of retirements, successfully completing the rally for the first time since 2021. The determined crew finished 17th overall in the WRC classification, marking a major milestone in Patel’s rally career.
“It has been four years of retiring, but we managed to finish the rally this year, capping it off with the ARC title,” said an elated Patel after the podium ceremony in Naivasha. “I am excited for what lies ahead, and I cannot wait to participate in the coming ARC legs. The last four days have been incredibly difficult, and we could not be prouder of this achievement.”
The two-time ARC champion has now set his sights on reclaiming the continental crown after narrowly losing the 2025 title to Uganda’s Yasin Nasser.
Elsewhere, Nikhil Sachania and navigator Deep Patel, also representing the KCB Rally Team, delivered a strong performance despite the demanding conditions. The duo began their defence of the FIA African Rally Championship ARC3 title in style, winning their category ahead of rival Puligilla Naveen. Sachania finished sixth overall in the ARC standings and 23rd in the WRC3 category, reinforcing his status as one of the region’s rising rally talents.
KCB-sponsored Ugandan driver Oscar Ntambi also impressed, securing victory in the ARC2 category after beating Kenya’s Evans Nzioka. Ntambi finished 22nd overall in the WRC classification and sixth in the ARC overall standings.
Meanwhile, Rwanda’s Queen Kalimpinya, competing in the event for the first time, emerged as the highest-placed female driver in the Kenya National Rally Championship category.
“This was my first time ever participating in the Safari Rally,” Kalimpinya said. “This event is not only iconic but also unforgiving. We managed to finish the rally, and there is something valuable to take home. We hope to carry the same momentum into upcoming competitions.”
However, it was heartbreak for the mother-daughter crew of Tinashe Gatimu and Caroline Gatimu, who had previously completed three consecutive Safari Rally events. Their fourth attempt ended prematurely after mechanical issues affected their new Ford Fiesta Rally4.
The performances across the field underscore the growing strength and competitiveness of the KCB-backed rally drivers, reinforcing the bank’s continued commitment to developing motorsport talent across East Africa.
