Three Kenyan champions are among eight drivers set to compete in the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, the second round of the FIA African Rally Championship 2026, scheduled for May 8 to 11 in Mbarara.
The rally will feature 12 stages, covering a competitive distance of 201.85km and a total distance of 569.16km.
Leading the Kenyan contingent are three former champions: Karan Patel (2022), Jasmeet Chana (2023), and Samman Vohra (2024).
They will be joined by reigning ARC3 champion Nikhil Sachania, the trailblazing mother-and-daughter crew of Tinashe Gatimu and Caroline Gatimu, as well as Evans Kavisi, Aakif Virani, and Joseph Gacheche.
Sachania will compete in a Ford Fiesta Rally3, while Kavisi will drive a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X. Aakif Virani, who finished second at the ARC Safari Rally alongside youngster Joseph Gacheche, will debut a new Škoda Fabia R5 in Mbarara.
Tinashe Gatimu and her mother Caroline made history as the first mother-and-daughter crew to finish the world-famous Safari Rally — a feat they have now achieved twice.
Karan Patel and Samman Vohra, the Mkwawa Rally winners in Tanzania, are among the favourites to lead Kenya’s charge. Vohra also finished second in last year’s continental standings.
The Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally is part of the KCB Bank Uganda National Rally Championship, which recently roared back in Mbale after a six-year hiatus. The event is expected to deliver a thrilling showdown, with top drivers from across Africa battling for top honours.
All eyes will now be on the eight Kenyan drivers as they aim to shine in Mbarara.
ARC standings after Safari Rally Kenya:
- Karan Patel (Kenya)
- Aakif Virani (Kenya)
- Samman Vohra (Kenya)
- Jasmeet Chana (Kenya)
- Oscar Ntambi (Uganda)
