The 2026 Rhino Charge has raised a record-breaking KES 365 million, the highest amount ever raised in the history of the event, reaffirming its position as one of Kenya’s most successful conservation fundraising initiatives.
Held on Saturday at the Ngilai Community Conservancy in Samburu County, the 37th edition of the annual off-road motorsport challenge brought together 65 competing teams and thousands of supporters committed to environmental conservation.
Leading the fundraising efforts once again was Safaricom-backed charger Adil Khawaja of Car No. 44 (AK44), who retained the top fundraiser position for the fourth consecutive year after raising an impressive KES 216 million, the highest amount ever raised by a single team in Rhino Charge history.
“Retaining the top fundraiser title for the fourth consecutive year is an honour, not just for me but for the entire team. I am grateful to everyone who supported this cause. This achievement reflects the collective effort of many who believe in environmental conservation and in making a lasting impact,” said Adil Khawaja, Team Lead, Car No. 44 (AK44).
Khawaja’s fundraising success has continued to grow over the years. He raised KES 60 million in 2023 before increasing the figure to KES 175 million in 2024 and KES 139.8 million in 2025. This year’s KES 216 million haul sets a new benchmark for the event.
Mark Glen of Car No. 48 emerged as the second-highest fundraiser after raising KES 10.8 million, while Peter Kinyua of Car No. 23 secured third place with KES 8.5 million.
Martin Kinyanjui of Magnate Chargers (Car No. 62) finished fourth after raising KES 7.7 million, while Robin Tilbury of Car No. 35 rounded off the top five fundraisers with KES 7 million.
The funds raised during the event will support the activities of the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust, which focuses on the conservation and protection of Kenya’s mountain range ecosystems, commonly referred to as the country’s vital water towers.
As part of its community support initiatives, Rhino Ark also handed over a cheque worth KES 9.1 million to the Ngilai community to support various development projects in the area.
Beyond fundraising, the competition itself delivered intense action as teams navigated challenging terrain in pursuit of the overall Rhino Charge title.
Team Huzi (Car No. 33), led by Oliver Outram, successfully defended its championship after covering all 13 checkpoints across a 27-kilometre course under the super modified category. The victory marked the team’s second consecutive overall title.
The Hatarious Chargers (Car No. 3), led by Gurmeet Mehta, finished second after covering 30.4 kilometres, while Patrick Garner of Braeburn Seven Squared (Car No. 49) claimed third position after covering 31.1 kilometres.
Veteran competitor Mark Glen (Car No. 48) finished fourth after covering 31.9 kilometres, while top fundraiser Adil Khawaja (Car No. 44, AK44) completed the course in 32.2 kilometres to secure fifth position overall, completing the top five teams in this year’s challenge.
Khawaja’s outstanding performance during the event was further recognized when he clinched the prestigious Victor Ludorum Award, awarded to the competitor with the best overall performance.
The 2026 Rhino Charge also benefited from substantial corporate support, receiving sponsorship worth KES 114 million from the M-PESA Foundation and Safaricom PLC.
Of this amount, the M-PESA Foundation committed KES 94 million towards Rhino Ark’s conservation activities, including the fencing and protection of the Mount Elgon Forest (Suam Block) and the restoration of the Mau Forest Complex across Narok, Kericho and Bomet counties.
Part of Safaricom PLC’s sponsorship supported three participating teams, including Car No. 44 (AK44), Car No. 29 (The EV Explorers), and Car No. 50 (Team Zambarau, Heels on Wheels). The telecommunications company also provided network connectivity services throughout the event to ensure seamless communication and coordination.
The record KES 365 million raised during the 2026 Rhino Charge underscores the growing commitment by individuals, corporations and communities towards protecting Kenya’s natural ecosystems while supporting sustainabl
