Sponsored rally drivers lead in afforestation efforts ahead of 2024 WRC rally
KCB Bank in collaboration with its rally-sponsored drivers has embarked on an ambitious drive to plant 2,000 trees as part of its afforestation efforts ahead of the 2024 WRC Safari Rally set for the Easter Weekend in Naivasha.
The initiative is part of the bank’s support to greening Kenya through the KCB Linda Miti project, which aims to plant and nurture 1.8 million trees by 2028. Since its launch in 2022, the initiative in collaboration with its branches across the country and partner schools has so far planted more than 314,000 trees with a target of exceeding this number this year.
Speaking during a tree planting exercise at Milimani Primary School in Naivasha, KCB Group Head of Corporate & Regulatory Affairs – Judith Sidi Odhiambo emphasized that the move is a strategic one as it exemplifies the bank’s dedication to environmental conservation to support local communities, promote sustainable practices, and leave an impactful legacy for future generations.
“The 2024 WRC Rally provides an excellent opportunity for KCB to make a positive impact on the environment, economy, communities, and our customers. With a sponsorship of KShs. 195 million for this year’s rally, our goal is to ensure that this event emerges as a platform through which motorsport and environmental conversation efforts are elevated to higher levels,” Sidi said.
Reigning Safari Rally Champion Sebastian Ogier is expected to headline the global spectacle alongside his Toyota Gazoo racing team, other renowned international drivers as well as local drivers led by African Rally Champion Karan Patel who recently renewed his sponsorship contract with KCB.
Touted as the toughest rally in the World Rally Championship (WRC) circuit, the four-day event will mark the third leg of the world series after the iconic Rallye Monte-Carlo in January and Rally Sweden in February. This shift to Easter weekend in Kenya will provide an even sterner test for the drivers as it coincides with the beginning of Naivasha’s rainy season.
The tree-planting exercises are scheduled to take place at Embakasi, Buruburu, and Gilgil Primary Schools. This strategic decision to plant trees within school premises ensures that the trees planted will be nurtured to maturity, contributing to a sustainable and green environment for years to come.
