CFAO Mobility Kenya Invests KES 48.5 Million to Boost 2026 Safari Rally and Motorsport Development
CFAO Mobility Kenya today announced a comprehensive sponsorship and development package worth KES 48,535,200 to support the 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally. This latest investment reinforces CFAO’s long-standing commitment to motorsport in Kenya, bringing its total contribution over the past six years to more than KES 153 million.
The sponsorship also strengthens Toyota’s legacy in the championship, which boasts a record 12 WRC titles across multiple eras, including Group B and the current WRC Hybrid.
Speaking during the official cheque handover ceremony, Arvinder Reel, Managing Director of CFAO Mobility Kenya, highlighted the company’s focus on grassroots motorsport development.
“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,” he said.
Supporting the Safari Rally Training School
The sponsorship coincides with CFAO Mobility’s major investment in the Safari Rally Training School Project. Two FIA-approved Toyota Starlet rally cars, developed in collaboration with Kenyan engineers and built to FIA Rally 5 standards, were donated at a total cost of KES 34.5 million. The cars were officially handed over to the President of Kenya at State House, underscoring the country’s commitment to advancing motorsport.
Additionally, CFAO has developed a prototype Cross Car for junior rally drivers aged 12 to 17, built to FIA standards at KES 3.7 million. This initiative, the first of its kind in Kenya, will create a structured pathway for grassroots talent to progress into competitive rallying.
“To ensure the growth of the sport, we have partnered with South Africa’s Botterill Motor Sport to develop a rally training curriculum. Training camps will be held for local drivers and navigators, and the curriculum will be handed over to the Safari Rally Secretariat to ensure the programme continues beyond the rally,” Reel added.
Global Stars and Fan Engagement
CFAO Mobility also hosted an exclusive meet-and-greet with drivers from the Toyota Gazoo Racing Team (TGR), offering fans a unique experience. Among the attendees were Elfyn Evans, 2025 Safari Rally winner and current WRC championship leader; Samo Pajari; a 24-year-old rising Kenyan rally talent; and legendary Juha Kankkunen, 1985 Safari Rally winner and Deputy Team Principal.
Principal Secretary for the State Department of Sports, Mr. Elijah Mwangi, praised CFAO Mobility Kenya for its investment in grassroots motorsport:
“Their donation of two Toyota Starlets, development of the Rally Academy training curriculum, and commitment to producing Kenya’s first affordable FIA Cross Car at the KVM plant are critical steps in building local motorsport talent and technical capacity. I encourage collaboration with TVETA to expand skills and local production within the sector.”
Toyota Hilux: Symbol of Reliability and Performance
Mr. Reel emphasized the Toyota Hilux’s role as the “double zero” and “triple zero” opening cars since the Safari Rally’s return to Kenya.
“The Hilux continues to demonstrate quality, durability, and reliability, serving as a powerful endorsement of our vehicles while reinforcing CFAO Mobility’s commitment to motorsport and mobility solutions across the country,” he said.
Through these initiatives, CFAO Mobility Kenya is advancing the growth of local motorsport, nurturing future rally talent, and cementing Kenya’s presence on the global rally stage.