CFAO Mobility Kenya has committed Sh48.5 million to support the organisation and success of the 2026 edition of the WRC Safari Rally.
The move reinforces the company’s long-standing backing of motorsport development in the country.
The sponsorship package announced brings the company’s total investment in the global rally event to more than Sh153 million over the past six years, underlining its commitment to nurturing motorsport talent and strengthening Kenya’s rallying legacy.
Speaking during the official cheque handover ceremony, CFAO Mobility Kenya Managing Director Arvinder Reel said the company’s involvement goes beyond financial support.
“Our commitment goes beyond sponsorship; we are investing in the growth of motorsports and will continue to champion initiatives that nurture young talent and elevate Kenya’s rally standing on the global stage,” Reel said.
Part of this year’s investment includes support for the Safari Rally Training School Project, where CFAO donated two rally cars to help train future drivers.
The specially constructed FIA-approved Toyota Starlet rally cars, built in collaboration with Kenyan automotive engineers and technicians to international Rally 5 standards, were developed at a cost of Sh34.5 million.
The vehicles were recently presented to William Samoei Ruto, highlighting the government’s support for advancing motorsport development in Kenya.
In addition to the rally cars, CFAO Mobility Kenya has also developed a prototype Cross Car for young rally drivers aged between 12 and 17 years, aimed at creating an early pathway for talent development in the sport.
The Cross Car, built to FIA standards at a cost of Sh3.7 million, will be used for the first time in Kenya to promote grassroots motorsport participation among young drivers.
The company has also partnered with Botterill Motor Sport of South Africa to develop a structured rally training curriculum for local drivers and navigators.
A training camp will be organised, after which the curriculum will be handed over to the Safari Rally secretariat to support continued development beyond the event.
Principal Secretary in the State Department for Sports Elijah Mwangi praised the initiative, noting that such investments are critical for building technical skills and strengthening Kenya’s motorsport ecosystem.
“I would like to commend CFAO Mobility Kenya for their investment in strengthening grassroots motorsport in the country,” Mwangi said.
“Their donation of two Toyota Starlets, support in developing the Rally Academy training curriculum, and commitment to producing Kenya’s first affordable FIA Cross Car are important steps toward building local motorsport talent and technical capacity.”
He also encouraged collaboration with the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority to expand skills training and local production capacity within the automotive sector.
The sponsorship activities also included a fan engagement session featuring drivers from the Toyota Gazoo Racing Team.
They include championship leader Elfyn Evans, rising Finnish driver Sami Pajari, and legendary rally driver Juha Kankkunen, a past Safari Rally winner.
Reel noted that the continued use of the Toyota Hilux as the rally’s “double zero” and “triple zero” opening cars since the Safari Rally’s return to Kenya demonstrates the vehicle’s reliability and performance credentials.
He added that CFAO Mobility Kenya remains committed to supporting motorsport while advancing mobility solutions across the country.