Car No 34 during a past Rhino Charge competition/ HANDOUTDefending champions Team Huzi (Car 33) highlight a 65-car entry list for this year’s Rhino Charge set for May 29-31 in Samburu County.
Team Huzi will be joined by last year’s top fundraisers including Adil Khawaja-led Car No.44, who raised Sh139.8m, Peter Kinyua’s Car No. 23 (Sh13.5m), and Tim Carstens’ Car No. 63 (Sh8.6m).
Also in the mix are Team Zambarau, who headlines six all-women crews as the category grew two-fold from last year.
The event has received a timely shot in the arm with Safaricom injecting Sh114m towards the event.
Of the amount, Sh20m will sponsor three teams with Car No. 44 pocketing Sh15m, Sh1m to each of EV Explorers and Zambarau Heels on the Wheel while Sh3m will be utilised for internet connectivity.
Additionally, the event received Sh2.3m from Kenya Breweries, with Geco Chargers, Bush Babes, Charging Hippos and EV Explorers among the beneficiaries.
Speaking during the event launch at Safaricom headquarters in Nairobi, Team Zambarau member Elizabeth Wanjiku said, “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.”
“We are grateful for Safaricom’s support, a huge boost for us as an all-ladies team. It has always been our wish to have them as our sponsors in this noble cause.”
Richard Kiplagat, the EV Explorers team leader was equally enthusiastic.
“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,” said Kiplagat.
Rhino Ark Executive Director Christian Lambrechts highlighted the significance of the initiative for conservation and community empowerment.
“The impact of this initiative has been significant for both conservancies and communities at large,” he said.
“This year’s preparations are in full swing. 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.”
Meanwhile, KBL Senior Brand Manager, Rediet Yigezu, observed: “Through this sponsorship, we are proud to contribute towards the protection of Kenya’s natural heritage and support conservation efforts that directly impact communities and ecosystems across the country.”
