Vivo Energy Kenya has strengthened its commitment to local motorsport after announcing a new sponsorship programme supporting seven rally drivers set to compete in the 2026 Shell Autocross series and the upcoming Safari Rally Kenya 2026, part of the World Rally Championship calendar.

The rally will take place from March 12 to 15 in Naivasha, bringing together global rally stars and regional competitors for one of the most demanding rounds of the championship.

The sponsorship, unveiled at the Shell Northview Service Station, will see the energy company back seven driver pairings and individuals as they prepare for both the national autocross campaign and the international rally spectacle.

The drivers supported under the programme include Tinashe Gatimu partnered with Caroline Gatimu, Rajveer Thethy alongside Laban Cliff Onserio, Lisa Christoffersen with co-driver Christabel Wacuka, and Neel Gohil paired with Wayne Fernandez. Also receiving backing are Michuki Hinga and Mwangi Kioni, Ishmael Azeli with John Ngugi, as well as Suleiman Munyua.

According to Vivo Energy Kenya, the selected drivers represent a blend of passion, skill and resilience that reflects the demanding nature of rally competition. The Shell Autocross series provides competitors with a platform to sharpen their technical ability and racecraft, while the Safari Rally offers an opportunity to measure themselves against some of the best drivers in the world.

Speaking during the unveiling, Vivo Energy Kenya Retail Manager Patrick Masinde said the initiative forms part of the company’s wider effort to support community development through sport. He noted that investing in emerging rally talent allows Kenyan drivers to grow within a structured motorsport environment while building the experience required to compete internationally.

Among the drivers, Suleiman Munyua reflected on his journey and the support from Shell:”So, for those of you who don’t know what’s been happening here today, we’re actually launching the Shell team for the WRC Safari Rally and the Shell Autocross. I personally have been a driver for the last three years, and I came in from a desk perspective of rallying, supporting and helping. Shell has actually done so much for me over the last two years—they have supported my dream. I started as a rally fan, then decided to try supported rallying, and found myself in the driver’s seat. This coming year, I will be awarded the two-wheel drive turbo champion for 2025. Rallying is fun, especially when you’re watching, but in the driver’s seat, you carry a lot of responsibilities. Shell has been behind me 100%, and I’m extremely grateful to Shell V-Power and Shell Helix Ultra for walking this journey with me.”

Shell’s involvement in motorsport spans decades and includes a long-standing technical partnership with Scuderia Ferrari in Formula One, a collaboration that has lasted more than 75 years. The brand also works closely with Hyundai Motorsport in the FIA World Rally Championship, further reinforcing its role in high-performance automotive innovation.

Beyond direct competition support, Shell is also the title sponsor of the upcoming Motorsports Excellence Awards, set to take place later this month. The awards celebrate outstanding achievements within Kenya’s motorsport scene and highlight rising drivers, teams and technical talent.

Through these initiatives, Vivo Energy Kenya continues to expand its footprint in local motorsport, providing resources and exposure that could help nurture the next generation of rally drivers capable of competing on both regional and global stages.