In a significant boost for local motorsport, Vivo Energy Kenya has unveiled a major sponsorship deal for seven rally drivers ahead of the 2026 WRC Safari Rally.

The announcement, made at the Shell Northview service station, marks a renewed commitment to cultivating homegrown talent. As the countdown to the Naivasha spectacle (March 12-15) begins, this partnership is seen as a pivotal moment for the Kenyan motorsport ecosystem.

Developing Local Talent for the Global Stage

The seven drivers—including seasoned competitors like Tinashe Gatimu and Rajveer Thethy—will represent Shell not just in the Safari Rally, but throughout the 2026 Shell Autocross series. This "whole-season" approach is vital; it ensures that drivers get the consistent seat time required to compete against the world’s elite WRC teams.

Patrick Masinde, Retail Manager at Vivo Energy, emphasized that this is about long-term value. "By investing in these drivers, we are supporting and nurturing Kenya’s finest talent to rise and compete on the global stage," he noted. It is a sentiment that resonates with local fans who are eager to see Kenyans reclaim the glory of the Safari Rally, which has become a staple on the global FIA calendar.

• The Lineup: Seven drivers set for both Autocross and Safari Rally.
• The Goal: Long-term development of Kenyan motorsport talent.
• The Event: WRC Safari Rally Kenya, Naivasha (March 12-15).

Motorsport is an expensive endeavor. Without corporate backing of this scale, many promising drivers would struggle to compete at the professional level. Vivo Energy’s involvement, which also includes title sponsorship of the upcoming Motorsports Excellence Awards, provides the financial runway these athletes need to innovate and perform.

As the engines roar to life in Naivasha next week, the eyes of the rally world will be on Kenya. With this support, the local drivers are not just participants—they are challengers. The road to the podium is difficult, but with this level of backing, the path is significantly clearer.