Adil Khawaja of Car No. 44 (left) celebrates being awarded the top fundraiser with Safaricom CEO Dr. Peter Ndegwa (right) at the 2025 Rhino Charge Challenge
Adil Khawaja of Team AK44, sponsored by Safaricom, has emerged as the top fundraiser in the 2025 edition of the Rhino Charge event, raising a record-breaking KES 139.8 million. The funds will go toward the preservation of Kenya’s vital water towers.
The annual off-road motorsport challenge, held this year in Saimo-Soi, Baringo County, brought together 64 competing vehicles, navigating some of the country’s most rugged terrain. The 2025 event raised a total of KES 269.5 million, reaffirming the event’s reputation as one of Kenya’s leading fundraising initiatives for environmental protection.
“I want to thank all our sponsors, from corporates like Safaricom to the many individuals who supported my team and me in raising funds for this noble cause of environmental protection. We couldn’t have done it without your support,” said Adil Khawaja, team lead of AK44. “While we didn’t hit our mark, we’re proud of what we achieved. We’re even more motivated to reach our goal next year.”
Car No. 23, led by Peter Kinyua, came in second in the fundraising category with KES 13.5 million, followed by Car No. 63, led by Tim Carstens, which raised KES 8.6 million
Adil Khawaja of Car No. 44 (left) receives the Top Fundraiser award from Christian Lambrechts, Executive Director at Rhino Ark (right), during the awards ceremony at the 2025 Rhino Charge Challenge, held at Saimo Soi in Baringo North. Adil and his team raised KES 139.8 million in support of conservation efforts for Kenya’s critical water towers.
In the competition results, Team Huzi (Car No. 33), led by Jeremy Holley, emerged as the overall winner, having successfully navigated all 13 checkpoints across the 27.3 km course. The Smiling Shenzis (Car No. 22), led by Gray Cullen, secured second place, while Team 48 Glen (Car No. 48) — last year’s champions — led by Mark Glen, came in third.
“As a team, we’re really proud to have won this year’s title,” said Holley. “It’s our first time finishing at the top in the 15 years we’ve participated. Last year we came in third, and this year we were determined to do better. This event is very important to us, and we remain committed to supporting its purpose.”
Safaricom played a major role in this year’s event, contributing KES 25.8 million through support for Car No. 44 and the EV Explorers — the first-ever electric vehicle to take part in the Rhino Charge. Beyond financial support, Safaricom also provided 5G connectivity and delivered an immersive “Emerald Experience”, offering fans unique entertainment including a live screening of the UEFA Champions League Final in the wilderness.
The Rhino Charge, organized by the Rhino Ark Charitable Trust, continues to stand as a symbol of innovation, adventure, and unwavering commitment to Kenya’s environmental future.