Armed with a multi-million shilling sponsorship and a championship-winning machine, African rally king Karan Patel declares his intent to conquer the WRC Safari Rally and cement his legacy as the continent’s undisputed motorsport sovereign.

The dust has barely settled on his Tanzanian exploits, but Karan Patel is already shifting gears for the ultimate prize. Fresh off securing back-to-back African Rally Championship (ARC) titles in 2023 and 2024, the Kenyan speed merchant is primed to unleash a "Safari Storm" that he hopes will sweep aside both local rivals and international contenders. The stakes have never been higher, and the machinery has never been sharper.

The 227 Million Shilling Injection

Fueling this ambition is a massive financial injection from KCB Group, which has committed a staggering KSh 227 million to this year`s WRC Safari Rally. In a sport where budget often dictates performance, this war chest is a game-changer. A significant slice of this pie—KSh 28.5 million—is dedicated specifically to supporting local talent, with Patel spearheading a five-car assault team that includes Nikhil Sachania and Tinashe Gatimu.

"We are not just here to participate; we are here to compete," Patel stated during the team launch in Nairobi, his eyes fixed on the challenge ahead. "The Safari is a beast that respects no reputation, but we have tamed the continent twice. Now, we want to rule our backyard."

• The Technical Edge: Patel’s team has spent the last few weeks stripping down and rebuilding his Ford Fiesta R5, ensuring every nut and bolt can withstand the punishing volcanic ash of Naivasha.
• The Competition: While the WRC works teams from Toyota and Hyundai bring global superstars, the battle for the ARC category honors will be a dogfight between Patel and his perennial rival, Uganda’s Jas Mangat.
• The Legacy Play: A win here would not just be a trophy; it would be a statement of intent for a potential "three-peat" of the African crown in 2025.

From Dar to Naivasha

The transition from the dusty plains of Tanzania to the technical, fesh-fesh laden tracks of the Safari Rally is a test of mental fortitude as much as driving skill. Patel admits that the "celebration phase" of his recent victory lasted mere hours before the "preparation phase" for the Safari began. The mental switch is critical. In Tanzania, it was about consistency to secure points; in Naivasha, it will be about survival of the fittest at breakneck speeds.

As the engines roar to life later this month, all eyes will be on the car emblazoned with the Kenyan flag. Karan Patel has proven he is the King of Africa. Now, he must prove he can defend his throne against the world on the toughest rally on earth. The storm is coming, and Naivasha had better be ready.