Safaricom has pledged KES 25.8 million to the 36th Rhino Charge. This iconic off-road challenge raises funds to protect Kenya’s mountain-forest “water towers”. The event will roar into Baringo County on Saturday, 31 May, with 65 teams. For the first time, the challenge will have a fully electric crew, Car 44 [AK44]. AK44 will be captained by Safaricom Chairman Adil Khawaja.
This year’s sponsorship is a 72 percent increase on 2024, Safaricom’s expanding commitment to conservation. Beyond funding, the company will deliver on-site connectivity to keep organisers. Competitors and spectators will be linked in one of Kenya’s most rugged landscapes.
“Rhino Charge proves that thrilling sport can drive serious environmental impact,” said Dr. Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom CEO. “We’re doubling down on efforts that safeguard Kenya’s natural heritage for generations to come.”
Last year’s Rhino Charge raised a record KES 325.8 million. Safaricom-backed Car 44 contributing KES 175 million the highest single-team total in event history. Proceeds fund Rhino Ark’s electric fencing, habitat restoration and community programmes that reduce human-wildlife conflict across Mt Kenya, the Aberdares, Mau Eburu and Kakamega Forest.
“Safaricom’s long-standing support has helped us secure more than 650 km of electric fences. We have protected over 500,000 hectares of critical forest,” noted Christian Lambrechts, Executive Director, Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust. “Their increased investment will push us closer to our goal of fully safeguarding Kenya’s mountain ecosystems.”
Since 1989, Rhino Charge has raised over KES 1.9 billion. They have funded conservation work valued at an estimated KES 412 billion in annual ecological services. Safaricom alone has now contributed more than KES 2.4 billion through direct giving, team fundraising and its corporate foundations.
