The Government has welcomed private-sector support initiatives aimed at nurturing local motorsport talent, with the Principal Secretary, State Department for Sports, Elijah Mwangi, lauding the support as a step in the right direction.
Speaking after receiving a KES 48.5 million sponsorship package from CFAO Mobility Kenya (CMK) in aid of the WRC Safari Rally and Kenya Rally Academy initiative, PS Mwangi noted that Public-Private Partnerships are part of the broader national sports development agenda.
“Collaboration with private sector champions like CFAO enables us to expand training opportunities, enhance learning environments, and provide young people with the tools they need to excel. Together, we are not only investing in motorsport but also empowering youth and positioning Kenya as a hub for sporting excellence and opportunity,” PS Mwangi said.
The firm’s sponsorship further cements CFAO’s commitment to the development of motorsport in the country, with total investment exceeding KES 153 million over the past six years. The partnership also reinforces Toyota’s enduring legacy and performance in the championship, with a record 12 championship titles across different eras of the WRC, including Group B and the current WRC Hybrid.
This year, CFAO Mobility Kenya Managing Director Arvinder Reel confirmed that the firm has donated two Toyota Starlet vehicles, locally converted to full Rally-5 spec, for training young drivers at the Kenya Rally Academy. The specially constructed, FIA-approved Toyota Starlet cars, developed in collaboration with Kenyan automotive engineers and technicians in accordance with FIA Rally 5 international rallying standards, were built at a total cost of KES 34.5 million. The two rally cars were officially presented to the President of Kenya at the State House on Monday, underscoring the country’s commitment to advancing motorsport development.
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“At CFAO Mobility Kenya, 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.”
Additionally, CFAO has invested in developing a prototype Cross Car for local junior rally drivers aged 12 to 17, aimed at nurturing the next generation of Kenyan rallying talent from the grassroots level. As part of this initiative, CFAO Mobility Kenya recently completed a KES 3.7 million Cross Car built to FIA standards.
For the first time in Kenya, this Cross Car will be used to promote grassroots motorsport development among young drivers aged 12 to 17 years, creating a structured pathway for emerging rally talent.
Said Reel, “To enable growth of the sport in the country, we have also partnered with South Africa’s Botterill Motor Sport to develop a rally training curriculum. A training camp will also be held for local drivers and navigators in addition to the handover of the new training curriculum to the Safari Rally secretariat to ensure continuation of the project post the rally.”
CFAO Mobility also hosted an exclusive meet-and-greet session with current drivers from the Toyota Gazoo Racing Team (TGR), a major highlight for fans. Drivers and guests in attendance included Elfyn Evans, the current championship leader (and 2025 winner of the Safari Rally) and winner of the recent Rally Sweden; Samo Pajari, a 24-year-old rising star representing the next generation of rally talent and Deputy Team Principal; and the legendary Juha Kankkunen (a previous winner of the Kenya Safari Rally in 1985) and local former Safari Rally Ace, Patrick Njiru.
Mr Reel expressed his excitement regarding CFAO Mobility’s continued participation in the Safari Rally. He noted that the Toyota Hilux’s consistent role as the “double zero” and “triple zero” opening cars since the rally’s return to Kenya serves as a powerful endorsement.
According to Mr Reel, this selection underscores the Hilux’s demonstrated value proposition of Quality, Durability and Reliability. CFAO Mobility remains committed to investing in motorsport while spearheading the growth of mobility solutions nationwide.
