Patel primed to unleash Safari storm after Tanzanian exploits

Two-time African Rally Championship winner Karan Patel heads into the WRC Safari Rally buoyed by his impressive end to the 2025 season.

The experienced driver, alongside long-time navigator Tauseef Khan, wrapped up their ARC campaign with a win at the season-ending Mkwawa Rally in Rwanda in 1:45:05.9.

That, coupled with victory at the Pearl of Uganda Rally, saw the duo end the year at fourth overall on 70 points.

Cup pressure peaks as Shabana host Kenya Police in blockbuster quarter-final Football

Upper Hill coach Walgwe unperturbed despite drawing giants in Prescott Cup group phase Rugby

Uganda’s Yasin Nasser won the series with 135 points, followed by National Rally champion Samman Vohra (134) and paraplegic driver Nikhil Sachania (77).

“Last year we had a few initial issues, engine problems, damage to the car, accidents.... a bit of everything, which we call normal in rally life,” Patel said.

However, the strong finish in Tanzania has fuelled his ambitions heading into the WRC Safari Rally set for March 12–15 in Nakuru County.

“The fact that last season was not going in our favour, the win was a good way to finish for all of us. Good team morale, good for my morale also,” he added.

“We are going into the Safari Rally with some good vibes.”

Their campaign at the 2025 WRC Safari Rally ended early due to mechanical issues but Patel is bullish they can go all the way this year.

Patel forms part of a five-car KCB Rally Team for the Safari alongside Sachania, Tinashe Gatimu, Rwanda’s Queen Kalimpinya and Uganda’s Oscar Ntambi for this year’s global showpiece.

There has been little time to exhale, with Patel stating that preparations for the punishing Safari terrain began the moment the dust settled in Tanzania.

“As soon as one rally ends, you start preparing for the next. Our preparations started right after the Tanzania rally,” he said.

They hope to use the Safari as a springboard in the hunt for a third African crown to the titles he won in 2023 and 2024.

“The vehicle is okay. Our aim is to try and win the ARC again, so let’s see if we can achieve that,” he said.

“We haven’t tweaked our game plan; we just go in the way we do.... prepare and race. That’s the way the cookie crumbles.”

“We will have one test run before the Safari Rally, probably next weekend.”

He rallied fans to keep the faith.

“Hopefully, our fans continue supporting us. I know they have felt let down but we are always trying our best to pick ourselves up,” he said.

‎This year’s Safari Rally has received a significant shot in the arm from KCB, which has committed Sh227 million, marking the sixth consecutive year of sponsorship since the iconic event made its historic return to Kenya.

‎Of that package, Sh100 million will go directly to Safari Rally Kenya, while Sh28.5 million will support the five KCB-backed drivers. The remainder will be channelled towards activations and marketing.

‎Sports PS Elijah Mwangi noted that after the mammoth success of 2025, expectations are even higher this time round.

‎“In 2025, the Safari Rally drew a crowd of over 400,000, making it the largest in-person attendance since the rally’s reinstatement,” Mwangi said.

‎“It further reached a total of 120 million viewers through global broadcasters. We expect an even bigger event in 2026.”

‎KCB Group CEO reiterated the bank’s continued commitment to sports development in the country.

‎“Our sponsorship demonstrates our commitment to driving sustainable impact, supporting local talent, and stimulating economic activity across tourism, trade and enterprise, among other sectors.

‎“We are looking at continually building on our experience and scale in sports sponsorships across East Africa to support further talent for global, regional and in-country competitions across disciplines,” he said.