By KPC Reporter
Final preparations are underway in Samburu County ahead of the 2026 Rhino Charge competition, with organisers transforming the remote Ngilai Conservancy into a temporary operational camp.
The camp is expected to host about 4,000 participants, spectators, sponsors and support crews this weekend.
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The 37th edition of the off-road motorsport fundraiser, set against the backdrop of the Mathews Range, will take place on Saturday, May 30, with organisers promising enhanced spectator experiences, tighter environmental safeguards and greater international participation.
Advance teams have already established medical facilities, security posts, water and sanitation systems, emergency response services, camping zones and command centres as part of preparations for the annual event, which raises funds for conservation projects spearheaded by Rhino Ark.
Organisers said strict vehicle controls, emergency protocols and wildlife safety measures are being enforced to protect both visitors and the fragile ecosystem surrounding the conservancy.
The event has also introduced improved viewing zones, clearer signage and real-time competition updates through a mobile application to improve the spectator experience.
Environmental conservation remains central to the competition, with organisers enforcing waste sorting, recycling and responsible camping practices while also offsetting the event’s carbon footprint through the purchase of carbon credits.
This year’s edition has also drawn international attention, with teams from Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States expected to compete alongside Kenyan entrants. Organisers noted that the event will also feature three all-female teams for the first time in Rhino Charge history.
Samburu Governor Jonathan Lati Lelelit said the county was honoured to host the event for the seventh time.
“On behalf of the people of Samburu County, we warmly welcome the Rhino Charge family back to our vast rangelands, ancient acacia woodlands, and breathtaking landscapes beneath the Mathews Range,” he said.
“It is a privilege to host this extraordinary event for the seventh time. With every return, our bond grows stronger.”
The governor said the event continues to generate economic benefits for local communities through campsite fees, employment opportunities and tourism exposure.
He added that the event comes at a significant moment after the United Nations designated 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.
“As the world marks 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, there could be no better setting to demonstrate how healthy rangelands, resilient pastoralist communities, and conservation can thrive together,” Lelelit said. “Samburu is living proof that indigenous knowledge, sustainable land stewardship, and wildlife conservation are mutually reinforcing.”
He further urged visitors to explore Samburu’s wildlife and cultural attractions beyond the competition itself.
“We encourage visitors not only to experience the excitement of Rhino Charge, but also to discover our iconic ‘Special Five’ wildlife, rich cultural heritage, dramatic landscapes, and unique safari experiences,” he said.
“This event reinforces Samburu’s standing as a premier destination for sustainable adventure tourism.”
The Rhino Charge competition will begin with vehicle scrutineering on Friday before the main contest on Saturday and a prize-giving ceremony on Sunday.
