The announcement was made on Wednesday, July 8, during the official unveiling of the rally at Zaria Court Kigali. The event, which is part of the African Rally Championship calendar, is expected to attract 36 competing cars this year.
Speaking at the launch, BPR Bank Rwanda PLC Chief Operations Officer, Godfrey Kariuki Kamau, commended the Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC) for its continued efforts to develop motorsport in Rwanda and for attracting some of Africa’s top rally drivers to the competition.
“We are proud to partner with you,” Kamau said. “As a member of the KCB Group, BPR Bank Rwanda PLC is committed to supporting initiatives that positively impact communities. Sport remains one of the strongest platforms for empowering young people, nurturing talent, promoting tourism and contributing to economic growth.”
He noted that over the years, KCB Group has invested more than KSh 3.5 billion in developing various sports, including athletics, rugby, football, volleyball, chess and golf, as part of its broader commitment to community development.
Kamau added that the group has invested more than Rwf 11 billion in motorsport over the years, helping drivers and co-drivers participate in regional and international competitions and showcase their talent.
For this year’s rally, he said BPR Bank Rwanda PLC and KCB Group have committed Rwf 150 million towards the organisation of the event and sponsorship of five drivers; Karan Patel, Queen Kalimpinya, Oscar Ntambi, Tinashe Gatimu and Nikhil Sachania.
Rwandan rally driver Queen Kalimpinya said she and her team are well prepared and optimistic about achieving one of their best results, especially as the rally will be held on the familiar Nemba and Ruhuha stages.
“As you become more familiar with the car, your times continue to improve,” she said. “I’m confident we’ll achieve a better result than in previous editions.”
Two-time African Rally Champion Karan Patel, who also won the Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally in 2023 and 2024, said he was excited to return for this year’s competition.
“We’re ready as always. We love Rwanda, we enjoy being here, and we’ll do everything possible to ensure the car is fully prepared for the challenge ahead,” Patel said.
He also thanked BPR Bank Rwanda PLC and KCB Group for supporting the repair of his rally car after it was damaged in his previous event, enabling him to compete in this year’s Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally.
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