The 37th edition of the Rhino Charge has raised a record-breaking KES 365 million, the highest amount ever collected in the history of the annual off-road motorsport fundraising event organized by the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust.
Held at the Ngilai Community Conservancy in Samburu County on Saturday, the event brought together 65 competing teams in support of environmental conservation and the protection of Kenya’s critical water tower ecosystems.
Safaricom-backed charger Adil Khawaja, driving Car No. 44 (AK44), retained his position as the event’s leading fundraiser for the fourth consecutive year after raising an unprecedented KES 216 million.
The amount marks the highest ever raised by a single team in Rhino Charge history. Khawaja’s fundraising has grown steadily over the years, rising from KES 60 million in 2023 to KES 175 million in 2024, KES 139.8 million in 2025, and KES 216 million this year.
“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,” said Khawaja.
Other Top Fundraisers Recognised
Mark Glen of Car No. 48 emerged as the second-highest fundraiser after collecting 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) raised KES 7.7 million to finish fourth, while Robin Tilbury of Car No. 35 completed the top five with KES 7 million.
Funds to Support Conservation and Community Projects
The funds raised will support Rhino Ark’s conservation initiatives, including the protection of Kenya’s mountain forests and water towers. The organisation also handed over a KES 9.1 million cheque to the Ngilai community to support local development projects.
Team Huzi Retains Overall Competition Title
On the competitive front, Team Huzi (Car No. 33), led by Oliver Outram, successfully defended its title after completing all 13 checkpoints across a challenging 27-kilometre course in the super modified category.
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) took third place after covering 31.1 kilometres.
Mark Glen and Adil Khawaja finished fourth and fifth respectively, covering 31.9 kilometres and 32.2 kilometres.
Khawaja also clinched the coveted Victor Ludorum award for 2026.
Safaricom and M-PESA Foundation Back Conservation Drive
The 2026 Rhino Charge received sponsorship support worth KES 114 million from safaricomand M-PESA Foundation
Of the total sponsorship, M-PESA Foundation committed KES 94 million towards conservation projects, including fencing and protecting the Mount Elgon Forest (Suam Block) and supporting restoration efforts in the Mau Forest Complex across Narok, Kericho and Bomet counties.
Safaricom’s contribution also supported Car No. 44, Car No. 29 (The EV Explorers), Car No. 50 (Team Zambarau, Heels on Wheels), and provided network connectivity services during the event.
The record fundraising achievement reinforces Rhino Charge’s role as one of Kenya’s most successful conservation fundraising initiatives, supporting environmental protection while fostering community development across the country.