Safaricom’s 25th anniversary was not marked by speeches in Nairobi, but by dust, heat, and a quiet shift in Kenya’s conservation story. At this year’s Rhino Charge in the rugged Saimo Soi region of Baringo North, the company backed a first-of-its-kind entry. EV Explorer, an electric off-road vehicle competing in one of the toughest endurance events in the region.
Car No. 29, the EV Explorer, became the first fully electric vehicle ever registered in the race. Its presence was more than a novelty. It signalled a growing push to test clean mobility in extreme environments, far from the comfort of city roads. The vehicle, built by Team Leader Richard Kiplagat and seasoned racer Nick Foley, ran on two heavy battery packs. These packs are supported by a solar charging tent. An experiment in proving that low-emission machines can survive, and even thrive, in harsh terrain.
Safaricom increased its sponsorship to KES 25.8 million. They helped fund both the EV’s entry and broader conservation work led by Rhino Ark, the organisation behind the annual challenge. The company also set up 5G connectivity at the remote site. They turned an otherwise isolated landscape into a live digital hub for spectators and organisers.
“We are pleased to increase our efforts in conservation and sustainability by doubling our sponsorship this year,” said Safaricom CEO Dr. Peter Ndegwa, noting that the partnership aligns with the company’s long-term environmental commitments.
The company’s support extended beyond the electric car. Its sponsored team, AK44, led by conservation advocate Adil Khawaja, emerged as the event’s top fundraiser, contributing KES 139.8 million. The funds will support the protection of Kenya’s forests and water towers critical ecosystems under increasing pressure.
For experts watching Kenya’s green transition, the EV Explorer’s entry marks a small but meaningful shift. While electric mobility is growing in urban transport, its viability in remote, uneven terrains remains an open question. Rhino Charge offered a test bed, and the results while early suggest a future where conservation, technology, and adventure overlap more closely.
Safaricom’s anniversary moment was therefore less about celebration and more about setting direction. In backing an electric competitor, the company positioned itself at the intersection of innovation and conservation, hinting at how Kenya’s next 25 years of mobility could unfold.
