NAIROBI, Kenya, January 23 – Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) has extended its sponsorship of the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) for a further three years to the tune of Sh90 million.
Sh30 million will be used to run the competition each year for the duration of the sponsorship with a further Sh10 million set aside each year for promotional and merchandising activities.
“We recognize the value that the sponsorship has generated to our business,” said KCB deputy chief executive of group controls Sam Kimani.
“Since 2003, Kenya motorsports has become synonymous with KCB. We have taken the rally to many parts of the country and have entertained and educated the public while also promoting the bank,” he added.
The championship which starts on February 7 with the KCB Simba Savings Rally has eight rounds which also includes the world famous KCB Safari Rally.
Sports Commissioner Gordon Oluoch expressed optimism that a well organized and funded championship will help Kenya regain the rights to host a leg of the World Rally Championship (WRC).
“We must do all that it takes to get the WRC back in Kenya so that we can rub shoulders and compete side by side with the best rally drivers in the world,” said Oluoch.
Oluoch believes that the championship can further enhance the status of sports tourism in the country.
“We also want to use this platform to support Kenya’s fledgling sports tourism by working with the Kenya Motorsports Federation (KMSF) to take the rallies to some of the country’s breath taking sites,” said Oluoch.
KMSF General Manager also announced that the introduction of three new divisions in the KNRC.
“Division one will consist of the top 10 drivers in the KNRC, division will made up of the next ten drivers and the third category will consist of the rest of the drivers,” said Khan.
Khan also announced a new category known as the KCB Young Star for drivers under the age of 27.
“This will create more excitement for young drivers in the KNRC,” said Khan.
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