The 2026 Rhino Charge Challenge, scheduled for Saturday, May 30 in Samburu, has received a significant boost of KES 114 million from Safaricom PLC and the M-PESA Foundation.
Of the total funding, the M-PESA Foundation has allocated KES 94 million to support conservation initiatives under the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust. The funds will go toward fencing and protecting the Mount Elgon Forest (Suam Block), restoring the Mau Forest Complex across Narok, Kericho, and Bomet counties, and supporting rehabilitation efforts in the Mount Kenya Forest in Tharaka Nithi County.
Safaricom PLC will contribute KES 20 million, which will support three competing vehicles and event connectivity. This includes KES 17 million for Car No. 44 led by Adil Khawaja, the EV Explorers team headed by Richard Kiplagat, and the all-women Zambarau Heels on the Wheel team led by Agnes Mwangi. The remaining KES 3 million will be used to enhance communication and network connectivity during the event.
Speaking during a cheque handover at Safaricom Headquarters in Nairobi, CEO Peter Ndegwa emphasized the company’s sustainability focus, saying:
“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.”
The connectivity plan includes deployment of 5G services to improve communication for participants and spectators, particularly in the remote terrain where the event is held.
Under the team sponsorship allocation, Car No. 44 receives KES 15 million, while EV Explorers and Zambarau Heels on the Wheel receive KES 1 million each to support their participation.
This year’s 37th edition is expected to attract about 55 entries, including last year’s top performers such as Team Huzi (Car No. 33) and the Zambarau team.
Team Zambarau’s Elizabeth Wanjiku welcomed the support, noting it strengthens their participation and conservation mission. She said the backing “reinforces our shared mission of advancing conservation and protecting Kenya’s natural heritage through the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust.”
EV Explorers’ Richard Kiplagat also welcomed the sponsorship, saying it motivates them to improve on last year’s performance while promoting electric mobility and environmental conservation.
Last year’s event in Saimo Soi, Baringo County, raised KES 269.5 million for conservation of Kenya’s water towers. Safaricom has supported the Rhino Charge for over a decade, helping raise more than KES 2.6 billion in total contributions. These funds have supported electric fencing projects across key ecosystems including Mt. Kenya, the Aberdares, and Kakamega Forest.
According to Rhino Ark, over 650 kilometres of electric fencing have been constructed so far, protecting both wildlife and more than 80,000 families from human-wildlife conflict.
Rhino Ark Executive Director Christian Lambrechts noted that preparations for this year’s challenge are well underway, with about 65 entries expected. He thanked sponsors, including Safaricom and the M-PESA Foundation, for their continued support of conservation efforts.
The Rhino Charge is an annual off-road 4×4 competition that raises funds for conservation of Kenya’s mountain ecosystems, commonly referred to as the country’s vital “water towers.”
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