Oscar Ntambi Teams Up with Nikhil Sachania in Key Safari Rally Kenya Test

Oscar Ntambi and Nikhil Sachania have completed a key test session in Kenya as they step up preparations for the Safari Rally Kenya in Naivasha.

Ugandan rally driver Oscar Ntambi travelled to Kenya over the weekend to conduct a crucial test session as preparations accelerate for the upcoming Safari Rally Kenya, scheduled for March 12–15 in Naivasha.

Ntambi’s visit to the Stoni Athi testing grounds marked an important step in fine-tuning his machine ahead of one of the most demanding events on the global motorsport calendar. The test focused on optimising performance for the challenging terrain that defines the rally.

Now competing in a Mitsubishi Evo X Ralliart, Ntambi dedicated the session to evaluating suspension settings, durability, and overall pace.

The adjustments were made to improve stability and endurance, key factors in an event known for rough roads, deep ruts, unpredictable weather, and extreme mechanical stress.

He tested alongside Kenyan driver Nikhil Sachania, sharing insights and data to maximise setup efficiency.

“This is a special rally for every driver in Africa and beyond. Flying into test at Stoni Athi was important because Safari is unique; you must prepare for everything. The car felt good, and we have made adjustments that give us confidence heading into Naivasha,” Ntambi said after the session.

Understanding the Challenge of the World Rally Championship Stage

The Safari Rally represents the third round of the global circuit under the World Rally Championship, attracting more than 40 crews from across the world.

This year’s edition will feature 20 competitive stages covering over 350 kilometres of rally distance. Organisers have introduced new stages to increase complexity and maintain the event’s reputation as one of the toughest challenges in international rallying.

The combination of high speeds, rocky tracks, water crossings, and rapidly changing conditions makes the Naivasha-based rally a true test of driver skill, mechanical resilience, and team strategy.

Ntambi will be navigated by his long-time co-driver Muhamadi Uthumaan, a partnership that began in 2018. Over the years, the duo has built strong communication and mutual trust, essential elements in rally competition.

Uthumaan expressed his excitement ahead of the event: “It is a dream come true to line up for the Safari Rally. I have followed this event for years, and to finally compete in it is special. Oscar and I understand each other well, and our focus is to stay consistent, manage the car carefully, and finish strong.”

Their emphasis will be on consistency, careful car management, and completing all stages reliably, an approach often rewarded in endurance-based rallies.

Ntambi competes under the banner of KCB Racing Team, which has assembled a formidable five-driver lineup for the event. The team includes Karan Patel, a two-time African champion, rising talent Tinashe Gatimu, Nikhil Sachania, and Rwanda’s accomplished driver Queen Kalimpinya.

The diverse lineup reflects the growing strength of East African representation in international rally competition.

Hosted in Naivasha, the Safari Rally remains one of the most iconic motorsport events in Africa. Its return to the World Rally Championship calendar has elevated its global profile and provided regional drivers with valuable exposure to elite competition.

Ntambi’s participation highlights the increasing competitiveness of Ugandan drivers on the international stage, while also strengthening cross-border collaboration within East African motorsport.

With testing completed and refinements made, Ntambi and Uthumaan now shift their focus to final preparations before the March showdown.