CFAO Mobility Pumps Ksh48.5M Into 2026 Safari Rally, Donates Rally Cars to Train Young Drivers

CFAO Mobility Kenya has injected Ksh48.5 million into the organisation of the Safari Rally Kenya, reinforcing private sector backing for one of Kenya’s biggest global sporting events.

The latest sponsorship pushes CFAO’s total investment in the rally to over Ksh153 million in six years, as the company deepens its involvement in motorsport development and grassroots rally training.

Speaking during the official cheque handover ceremony, CFAO Mobility Kenya Managing Director Arvinder Reel emphasised the company’s long-term commitment to nurturing local rally talent.

“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 stated.

Rally Training Boost

Beyond financial support, the firm also donated two rally-spec cars to the Safari Rally Training School Project, part of a wider effort to develop young drivers.

The FIA-homologated Toyota Starlet rally cars, built in collaboration with Kenyan engineers and technicians, were developed to Rally5 international standards at a total cost of KSh34.5 million.

Team Toyota Gazoo Racing posing next to one of the two rally-spec cars donated to the Safari Rally Training School Project.

The vehicles were officially presented to President William Ruto at State House earlier this week, signalling government support for motorsport development in the country.

Cross Car for Teen Drivers

CFAO has also invested Ksh3.7 million in building a prototype FIA-standard Cross Car designed specifically for junior rally drivers aged 12 to 17. The vehicle is expected to introduce younger competitors to rally racing and create a structured pathway for upcoming drivers entering professional motorsport.

To strengthen driver training, the company has partnered with Botterill Motor Sport to develop a rally training curriculum.

A training camp for Kenyan drivers and navigators is also planned, with the curriculum set to be handed over to the Safari Rally secretariat to ensure the programme continues beyond the 2026 event.

Government Applauds Investment

Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi praised the initiative, highlighting its role in strengthening Kenya’s motorsport ecosystem.

“I would like to commend CFAO Mobility Kenya for its investment in strengthening grassroots motorsport in the country. 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 at the KVM plant are important steps toward building local motorsport talent and technical capacity,” he stated.

“As we move forward, I encourage collaboration with The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) so that this initiative can also help build skills and expand local production capacity within the sector.”

Toyota Rally Stars Attend Event

The event also attracted top drivers from Toyota Gazoo Racing, including championship leader Elfyn Evans, rising Finnish driver Sami Pajari, and legendary four-time world champion Juha Kankkunen, who previously won the Safari Rally in 1985.

Reel also highlighted the role of the Toyota Hilux in the rally, noting it has consistently served as the event’s “double zero” and “triple zero” opening cars since the Safari Rally returned to the World Rally Championship calendar.

According to Reel, the selection highlights the Hilux’s reputation for quality, durability, and reliability, particularly in the rugged terrain of the Kenyan rally stages.

CFAO Mobility MD Ravinder Reel handing over the Toyota Starlet Rally Car donated to President William Ruto at State House ahead of the WRC Safari Rally 2026.