{"id":3073,"date":"2026-05-31T15:06:35","date_gmt":"2026-05-31T15:06:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/livenation254.com\/?p=3073"},"modified":"2026-06-01T16:06:13","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T16:06:13","slug":"65-cars-roar-into-samburu-for-rhino-charge-2026-as-conservation-drive-gains-momentum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/livenation254.com\/?p=3073","title":{"rendered":"65 Cars Roar Into Samburu for Rhino Charge 2026 as Conservation Drive Gains Momentum"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Jeff Kizzilah Digital Editor <\/strong><\/h1>\n

\"\"<\/a>The stage is set for one of Africa\u2019s most demanding and celebrated off-road competitions as 65 vehicles prepare to tackle the rugged terrain of Ngilai, Samburu County, during the 37th edition of the Rhino Charge. Beyond the adrenaline and adventure, the annual event continues to serve as a powerful fundraising platform for environmental conservation and the protection of Kenya\u2019s vital water tower ecosystems.<\/span><\/h1>\n

This year\u2019s challenge has attracted a diverse lineup of competitors across the Modified, Super Modified, and Unmodified categories, including Safaricom-sponsored teams EV Explorers led by Richard Kiplagat, AK44 led by Adil Khawaja, and the all-women team Zambarau Heels on Wheels.<\/p>\n

The event has received a major boost from Safaricom PLC and the M-PESA Foundation, which have jointly committed KES 114 million towards conservation efforts and participation support. The M-PESA Foundation contributed KES 94 million to support Rhino Ark\u2019s ongoing environmental projects, including the protection of the Mount Elgon Forest (Suam Block) and restoration initiatives within the Mau Forest Complex across Narok, Kericho, and Bomet counties.<\/p>\n

Safaricom PLC further invested KES 20 million to support participating teams and ensure network connectivity throughout the event. Car No. 44 (AK44) received KES 15 million, while EV Explorers and Zambarau Heels on Wheels each received KES 1 million. An additional KES 3 million was allocated to communication and connectivity infrastructure.<\/p>\n

Speaking ahead of the challenge, AK44 Team Lead Adil Khawaja expressed confidence in his team’s preparedness and fundraising ambitions.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe car is in great condition and the entire team is excited and ready to take on the course. I would like to sincerely thank all our sponsors, especially Safaricom and M-PESA, for their tremendous support. As defending top fundraisers, we are hopeful of retaining our position while continuing to champion this noble cause of environmental conservation,\u201d said Khawaja.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Rhino Charge has become one of Kenya\u2019s most successful conservation fundraising events. During the 2025 edition held at Simo-Soi in Baringo North, participants raised a record KES 269.5 million. Car No. 44, led by Adil Khawaja, emerged as the top fundraising team after raising KES 139.8 million, followed by Peter Kinyua\u2019s Car No. 23 with KES 13.5 million and Tim Carstens\u2019 Car No. 63 with KES 8.6 million.<\/p>\n

Rhino Ark Executive Director Christian Lambrechts confirmed that all logistical and security preparations had been completed ahead of the competition.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe stage is fully set for this year\u2019s Rhino Charge, with 65 car entries ready to take on the challenge. Today\u2019s scrutineering process was focused on ensuring that all participating vehicles meet the required standards, and I am pleased to confirm that everything is in place, including the necessary security arrangements. We are grateful to all our sponsors and partners whose support continues to make this iconic event possible,\u201d he said.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

A key highlight this year will be the participation of EV Explorers, marking the second consecutive appearance of an electric vehicle in the competition. Team Lead Richard Kiplagat noted that lessons learned from last year\u2019s groundbreaking debut have helped improve the vehicle\u2019s performance and readiness.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis marks our second participation in the Rhino Charge with an electric vehicle, following last year\u2019s historic debut of an EV in the competition. We gained valuable lessons from that experience and have since made significant improvements to the vehicle. As a team, we feel more confident and better prepared for tomorrow\u2019s challenge,\u201d said Kiplagat.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

As competitors prepare to navigate Samburu\u2019s unforgiving landscape, the Rhino Charge remains more than a motorsport spectacle. It continues to unite corporate sponsors, conservationists, adventurers, and local communities in a shared mission to safeguard Kenya\u2019s forests, rivers, and water catchment areas for future generations.<\/p>\n

The annual event is organized by Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust, whose conservation programs focus on protecting Kenya\u2019s mountain ecosystems\u2014widely regarded as the nation\u2019s lifeline and source of water security.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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