By KPC Reporter
The 2026 Rhino Charge Challenge, scheduled for Saturday, May 30 in Samburu, has received a significant financial boost after the M-PESA Foundation and Safaricom PLC committed a combined KES 114 million toward conservation efforts and event support.
Of the total amount, the M-PESA Foundation — Safaricom’s social impact arm — has allocated KES 94 million to support projects undertaken by Rhino Ark. The funding will go toward fencing and protecting the Mount Elgon Forest (Suam Block), restoring the Mau Forest Complex in Narok, Kericho, and Bomet counties, and advancing the Mount Kenya Forest Rehabilitation and Protection Project in Tharaka Nithi County.
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The investment underscores the Foundation’s continued focus on safeguarding Kenya’s critical ecosystems and water towers.
Separately, Safaricom PLC has committed KES 20 million to support participation and connectivity during the event. Out of this amount, KES 17 million will sponsor three teams: Car No. 44 led by Adil Khawaja, the EV Explorers team headed by Richard Kiplagat, and the all-women team, Zambarau Heels on the Wheel led by Agnes Mwangi. The remaining KES 3 million will facilitate network connectivity during the challenge.
Speaking during the cheque handover ceremony at Safaricom Headquarters in Nairobi, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said the company remains committed to integrating sustainability into its operations.
“This year, we are proud to commit KES 114 million through the M-PESA Foundation and Safaricom. As a company, sustainability remains central to how we create long-term value for our customers, communities, and the environment. Our support for the Rhino Charge reflects our commitment to practical conservation efforts that protect Kenya’s natural heritage while driving innovation and resilience,” he said.
Connectivity support at the event will include deployment of 5G technology to improve experiences for participants and spectators by enabling reliable communication and interaction, while showcasing the role technology can play even in remote and challenging environments.
Under the sponsorship arrangement, Car No. 44 will receive KES 15 million, while EV Explorers and Zambarau Heels on the Wheel will each receive KES 1 million to support their participation.
The 37th edition of the Rhino Charge is expected to draw 55 entrants, including defending overall champions Team Huzi (Car No. 33) and Team Zambarau.
Elizabeth Wanjiku of Zambarau Heels on the Wheel welcomed the support, describing it as a major encouragement for the team.
“As Team Zambarau, we are grateful for Safaricom’s support. This is a huge boost for us as an all-ladies team, and it has always been our wish to have them as our sponsors in this noble cause. Their commitment strengthens our resolve, providing us with the resources and confidence to compete at our best. This support not only empowers our team but also reinforces our shared mission of advancing conservation and protecting Kenya’s natural heritage through the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust,” she said.
Last year’s Rhino Charge, held in Saimo Soi, Baringo County, raised KES 269.5 million to support conservation of Kenya’s water towers. Adil Khawaja emerged as the leading fundraiser for the third year running after raising KES 139.8 million. He was followed by Car No. 23 led by Peter Kinyua with KES 13.5 million and Car No. 63 led by Tim Carstens with KES 8.6 million.
Richard Kiplagat, Team Lead of EV Explorers, said continued backing from Safaricom had motivated the team.
“As a team, we are truly grateful for Safaricom’s continued support for this event. This is the second year in a row they are backing us, and we deeply appreciate it. As the only EV team in the competition, we are highly motivated not only to complete the challenge but also to emerge among the best, building on lessons from last year’s mechanical challenges as we champion the future of electric mobility and environmental conservation,” he said.
Safaricom has supported Rhino Charge for more than ten years, helping raise over KES 2.6 billion for conservation initiatives. The funds have supported electric fencing projects in areas including Mt. Kenya, the Aberdares and Kakamega Forest, as well as broader efforts to protect water towers and natural habitats.
To date, Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust has constructed more than 650 kilometres of electric fencing, helping shield over 80,000 families from human-wildlife conflict.
Rhino Ark Executive Director Christian Lambrechts said preparations for this year’s challenge are progressing well.
“The impact of this initiative has been significant for both conservancies and communities at large. This year’s preparations for the Rhino Charge Challenge are in full swing, and we expect a total of 65 entries to take part in the challenge and fundraising effort in support of this noble cause of environmental conservation and the protection of Kenya’s vital water catchment towers. I would like to sincerely thank all our sponsors, including the M-PESA Foundation and Safaricom, whose support has been instrumental to this journey for over a decade,” he said.
The Rhino Charge is an annual off-road 4×4 competition in Kenya that raises funds to support Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust’s conservation work focused on protecting the country’s mountain ecosystems and vital water towers.
