- Tinashe Gatimu will participate in the World Rally Championships Safari Rally for the consecutive third year.
- The 20-year-old will oversee a Subaru Impreza GC8 driven by her mother, Caroline Gatimu.
- The 2025 Safari Rally, scheduled as the third event in this year’s schedule, has drawn more than 50 participants.
Tinashe Gatimu will be among the key draws for drivers and rallying fans who converge in Naivasha for the 2025 Safari Rally.
Gatimu, at just 20 years of age, is nearing the end phase where he will get the chance to mingle with the elite figures in the world of rallying.
Nevertheless, besides her age, the notable aspect about Tinashe is that she will not only have another co-driver but also her mother, Caroline Gatimu, by her side.
The mother-and-daughter team will take part in their third Safari Rally as the third round of the 2025 World Rally Championships kicks off in Nakuru County.
As members of the KCB Racing team, they will drive a Subaru Impreza GC8 alongside African champion Karan Patel, Nikhil Sachania, and Evans Kavisi.
"Participating in the WRC is an incredible experience. It's not just about the thrill; I also focus on preparing my body for the competition. Up until now, we've modified the engine, which has been working great so far. The next step will be making adjustments to provide us with additional starting power," explained Tinashe.
Tinashe attributes her journey to her parents' influence. In 2022, she worked under her father, Gatimu Mindo, as a mechanic prior to participating in the 2023 Safari Rally alongside her mother who served as her co-driver. The duo secured a tenth-place finish in the Kenya National Rally Championships class and then climbed up three positions in 2024.
She stated to Capital Sports, 'There isn’t any secret. It’s simply due to the backing of my mother and father. Their support has made a significant difference; I wouldn’t be here without them.'
The connection with my mother is fantastic. She’s also a rally driver, so I have the opportunity to learn from both her and her experiences. We work really well together when we’re in the car.
She studies Business IT at Stathmore University.
The KCB Racing Team at the Safari Rally in 2025
Tinashe and her KCB Racing squad recently got a significant boost when the financial institution issued them a check for 23 million dollars.
I appreciate this generous support from the bank immensely. Being able to drive with my mom, knowing that my dad manages the car department, truly aligns with our family’s goals. Nothing compares to this sense of fulfillment.
I'm thrilled to team up with legends such as Patel, Nikhil, and Kavisi at the den, where we pledge to give our utmost effort as we proudly wave the Kenyan flag in Naivasha.
Other Kenyan drivers participating in the Safari Rally 2025
In addition to Tinashe, Kenya will also send Carlo Tundo, Jeremiah Wahome, Hamza Anwar, Evans Nzioka, Pauline Sheghu, and Ishmael Ombati as representatives.
Reservations for hotels in Naivasha spike up
.co.ke Earlier reports indicated that hotel owners in Naivasha had noticed an increase in reservations prior to the Safari Rally.
Naivasha will transform into a hub of activity as the World Rally Championships return there for the fifth straight year following a 19-year absence.
