Koelel Forces Academy from Gilgil has won the inaugural KCB WRC Green Debate, an education-focused sustainability programme hosted alongside the 2026 Safari Rally Kenya, according to a statement issued by the organisers.

The final was held at Naivasha Girls High School and brought together 32 schools from Nairobi and Nakuru regions, with debate topics covering corporate governance, clean energy, sustainable finance, environmental conservation and social responsibility, the statement said. Murang’a High School finished first runners-up, while Utumishi Boys Academy took third place.

KCB awarded cash prizes to the top three schools to support sustainability projects led by their debate clubs: KES 90,000 for Koelel Forces Academy, KES 60,000 for Murang’a High School and KES 30,000 for Utumishi Boys Academy, according to the statement. The organisers said the funds will support activities such as tree-planting drives, environmental awareness campaigns, waste management programmes and community clean-up initiatives. All participating schools also received trophies, certificates and branded merchandise.

Koelel’s debate patron, Margaret Gakii, said the series stood out from regular inter-school debate circuits because it focused on climate and sustainability. “Debate Circle hosts debates throughout the year, but this series was unique because it focused specifically on sustainability and climate issues. It challenged our students to think critically about the future and the role young people can play in protecting the environment,” Gakii said.

KCB Naivasha Branch Manager Zacharia Njeru linked the debate series to the lender’s broader sustainability priorities. “At KCB, sustainability is embedded in our strategy. We are investing in green financing, supporting clean energy solutions, and advancing sustainable finance. However, policies and financing alone are not enough. We also need innovative ideas and young leaders who are ready to champion sustainable development,” Njeru said.

The Green Debate was organised in partnership with Debate Circle and Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen), the statement said, positioning it within a wider push by corporate and institutional actors to shape environmental awareness among young people.

For Kenya’s business landscape, the initiative reflects how major brands continue to integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) themes into high-profile events such as the Safari Rally, which attracts local and international audiences and creates opportunities for community engagement and reputational positioning. It also underscores a growing emphasis on sustainability education and youth-led projects, which can influence future consumer and workforce expectations in sectors such as banking, energy and manufacturing.

The statement also highlighted KCB’s sustainability activities linked to the Safari Rally since its return to Kenya in 2021, saying the bank has planted more than 3,000 trees with local schools and implemented waste management programmes. During the recent rally, the statement said more than two tonnes of mixed waste were collected at stages including Kedong, Sleeping Warrior and Elementaita, and is being sorted and recycled through partners.

Looking ahead, the debate series is likely to continue as part of the rally’s calendar of associated activities, as organisers and partners align with global motorsport sustainability initiatives. The statement cited the WRC Promoter Beyond initiative, which it said works with stakeholders including the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), event organisers, teams, suppliers and local governments to raise environmental consciousness around motorsport’s footprint.