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CFAO Mobility Kenya’s KES 60 Million Sponsorship Boosts 2025 WRC Safari Rally
Gerald Kombo
February 17, 2025
CFAO Mobility Reinforces Commitment to Motorsports
CFAO Mobility Kenya has once again demonstrated its commitment to motorsports by announcing a KES 60 million sponsorship for the 2025 WRC Safari Rally. This marks the fifth consecutive year the company has supported Kenya’s premier rally event, strengthening the longstanding relationship between Toyota and Safari Rally Kenya.
Additionally, this year’s rally holds special significance as Toyota Gazoo Racing celebrates its 100th WRC rally race—a milestone that underscores its motorsport legacy.
The announcement was made at CFAO Mobility’s Toyota Showroom along Mombasa Road, attended by key government officials, motorsport stakeholders, and corporate leaders.
This year is special for us as Toyota Gazoo Racing celebrates its 100th WRC race and the 40th anniversary of our legendary driver, Juha Kankkunen. Our sponsorship goes beyond the rally itself – it supports Kenya’s motorsport ecosystem and the dreams of aspiring local drivers.
— Arvinder Reel, Managing Director, CFAO Mobility Kenya
Key Guests in Attendance
The high-profile event was attended by:
Hon. Salim Mvurya, E.G.H. – Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy & Sports
Eng. Peter Tum – Principal Secretary, State Department for Sports
Charles Gacheru – CEO, Safari Rally Kenya
Ferdinand Omanyala – Toyota Brand Ambassador & 100m African Record Holder
Arvinder Reel – Managing Director, CFAO Mobility Kenya
Alvin Darrell – Managing Director, Power Mobility Kenya
Breakdown of CFAO Mobility’s Sponsorship Contribution
CFAO Mobility’s KES 60 million investment in the 2025 Safari Rally will include:
✔ KES 33 million directly to the Safari Rally Secretariat
✔ Sponsorship of one Toyota Hilux GR Sport pickup, serving as the Double Zero route opener
✔ One Toyota Mild Hybrid pickup for the Zero Car in selected stages, supporting Toyota’s carbon neutrality agenda
✔ Advanced road safety training for 10 rally drivers, enhancing defensive driving skills
“Through this sponsorship, we demonstrate our unwavering support for motorsport development in Kenya. Our commitment extends beyond financial contributions—we actively foster talent, road safety awareness, and innovation in mobility.”
— Arvinder Reel
Motorsport as a Pillar of Economic Growth
Cabinet Secretary Hon. Salim Mvurya praised CFAO Mobility’s contribution, emphasizing the economic impact of motorsports in Kenya:
The Safari Rally is more than a sporting event; it is a national economic asset. This sponsorship strengthens Kenya’s place in global motorsports while creating jobs and business opportunities within the motorsport ecosystem.
Safari Rally CEO Charles Gacheru further detailed the 2025 Safari Rally route, highlighting new race segments and increased participation.
📅 Event Dates: March 20 – March 23, 2025
📍 Key Rally Locations: Nairobi, Naivasha, Kedong, Hell’s Gate, and Sleeping Warrior
The Safari Rally continues to attract the world’s best teams. This year, we will welcome four Toyota Gazoo Racing WRC cars, including drivers like Kalle Rovanperä and Takamoto Katsuta.
— Charles Gacheru, CEO, Safari Rally Kenya
Ferdinand Omanyala: A Testament to CFAO’s Support for Sports
Toyota brand ambassador Ferdinand Omanyala, Africa’s fastest man, applauded CFAO Mobility’s continued support:
Toyota’s ‘Start Your Impossible’ mindset has been a game-changer in my career. Their belief in me has allowed me to train, compete, and represent Kenya at the highest level.
Omanyala encouraged more brands to invest in nurturing Kenyan sporting talent.
Government’s Vision for Kenyan Motorsports
Principal Secretary Eng. Peter Tum echoed the government’s dedication to developing motorsport infrastructure, stating:
We are working on policies that will ensure sports sponsorship translates into real impact—better infrastructure, stronger talent development, and a more professionalized industry.
He further emphasized Kenya’s strategic advantage as Africa’s leading motorsport hub, noting that international motorsport events not only boost sports tourism but also stimulate business growth across multiple sectors.
CFAO Mobility’s Commitment to Road Safety
As part of its sponsorship, CFAO Mobility will launch a nationwide road safety campaign featuring:
✔ A Road Safety School Mural Competition, encouraging young learners to creatively depict pedestrian safety themes
✔ Defensive driving training for rally drivers, reinforcing safety standards on Kenyan roads
✔ Public awareness initiatives on responsible driver behavior
A Rally of Global Recognition
As the only WRC event in Africa, the Safari Rally continues to attract global attention. With Toyota Gazoo Racing fresh off a victory at Rally Sweden, all eyes are on Kenya as the team prepares to showcase its prowess.
The Safari Rally is not just Kenya’s pride; it is Africa’s flagship motorsport event. Our goal is to cement Kenya’s reputation as a global motorsport hub.
— Hon. Salim Mvurya
With CFAO Mobility’s sponsorship, the 2025 Safari Rally promises to be bigger, better, and more exciting than ever before.
🎯 Follow The 254 Report for exclusive updates on the 2025 WRC Safari Rally! 🚗💨