Safaricom Pumps KES 114 Million Into Rhino Charge as Conservation Drive Gains Momentum

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Safaricom PLC and the M-PESA Foundation have injected KES 114 million into the 37th edition of the Rhino Charge Challenge, reaffirming their long-standing commitment to environmental conservation and the protection of Kenya’s critical water towers.

The funding, announced ahead of the annual off-road competition set for May 30 in Samburu, will support key conservation initiatives led by the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust, including forest protection, electric fencing projects, and ecosystem restoration across the country.

Out of the total sponsorship, the M-PESA Foundation has committed KES 94 million toward fencing and protecting the Mount Elgon Forest’s Suam Block, as well as restoring sections of the Mau Forest Complex in Narok, Kericho, and Bomet counties. Additional support will also go toward rehabilitation and protection efforts in the Mount Kenya Forest ecosystem in Tharaka Nithi County.
Safaricom PLC has separately committed KES 20 million to facilitate event connectivity and support participating teams. The telecommunications giant will deploy advanced 5G connectivity at the rugged event venue to enhance communication, live coverage, and participant engagement during the challenge.

Part of the sponsorship will support three competing teams, including Car No. 44 led by renowned fundraiser Adil Khawaja, the EV Explorers team led by Richard Kiplagat, and the all-women team Zambarau Heels on the Wheel under Agnes Mwangi. Car No. 44 received the lion’s share of KES 15 million, while the other two teams each secured KES 1 million.

Speaking during the cheque handover ceremony at Safaricom headquarters in Nairobi, Peter Ndegwa said sustainability remains central to Safaricom’s long-term vision.

“Through the M-PESA Foundation and Safaricom, we are proud to support practical conservation efforts that safeguard Kenya’s natural heritage while promoting innovation and resilience,” he said.

The Rhino Charge Challenge has grown into one of Kenya’s most significant conservation fundraising events, attracting off-road enthusiasts, corporate sponsors, and environmental champions from across the country. This year’s edition is expected to feature over 55 competing teams, including defending champions Team Huzi and the popular all-ladies Team Zambarau.

Team members welcomed Safaricom’s backing, saying the sponsorship would strengthen their preparations and amplify awareness about conservation efforts.

Elizabeth Wanjiku of Zambarau Heels on the Wheel described the sponsorship as a major morale boost for women participating in motorsport and environmental advocacy.

Meanwhile, EV Explorers team lead Richard Kiplagat said the support would help advance the conversation around electric mobility and sustainable transportation within motorsport.

Last year’s Rhino Charge event held in Baringo County raised KES 269.5 million for conservation activities, with Adil Khawaja emerging as the top fundraiser after mobilizing KES 139.8 million.
Over the past decade, Safaricom’s partnership with Rhino Ark has helped raise more than KES 2.6 billion toward conservation programmes. The funds have contributed to the construction of over 650 kilometres of electric fencing around critical forests and protected habitats, helping shield more than 80,000 families from human-wildlife conflict.

Rhino Ark Executive Director Christian Lambrechts praised sponsors for sustaining the conservation journey and expressed optimism about this year’s fundraising efforts.
The Rhino Charge is an annual extreme 4x4 competition that raises money for the conservation and protection of Kenya’s mountain ecosystems and water towers through the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust.

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