Safaricom and the M-PESA Foundation have committed KES 114 million towards the 37th edition of the Rhino Charge Challenge set for May 30 in Samburu, reaffirming their long-term support for environmental conservation and protection of Kenya’s water towers.
The funding will support forest conservation projects, event connectivity, and participation of three teams in the annual off-road fundraising competition organised by the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust.
M-PESA Foundation Allocates KES 94 Million for Conservation
Out of the total funding, the M-PESA Foundation has committed KES 94 million to support Rhino Ark conservation activities, including fencing and protection of the Mount Elgon Forest (Suam Block) and restoration of the Mau Forest Complex in Narok, Kericho, and Bomet counties.
However, the funding will also support the Mount Kenya Forest Rehabilitation and Protection Project in Tharaka Nithi County as part of efforts to conserve Kenya’s critical ecosystems and water towers.
Speaking during the cheque handover ceremony in Nairobi, Peter Ndegwa said sustainability remains central to Safaricom’s long-term value creation strategy.
“This year, we are proud to commit KES 114 million through the M-PESA Foundation and Safaricom. As a company, sustainability remains central to how we create long-term value for our customers, communities, and the environment. Our support for the Rhino Charge reflects our commitment to practical conservation efforts that protect Kenya’s natural heritage while driving innovation and resilience,” he said.
Safaricom Supports Teams and Connectivity
The connectivity support will include the deployment of 5G aimed at enhancing both participant and spectator experiences. This will enable seamless communication and engagement while demonstrating how technology can transform events even in the most remote and rugged terrains.
Under the team support allocation, Car No. 44 will receive KES 15 million, while the EV Explorers and Zambarau Heels on the Wheel teams will each receive KES 1 million to support their participation in the challenge.
This year’s edition, which also marks the 37th Rhino Charge challenge, is expected to attract 55 entries, including the 2025 overall winners, Team Huzi (Car No. 33) and Team Zambarau, the all-ladies team, among others.
Agnes Mwangi, Team Lead, Zambarau Heels on the Wheel, said the sponsorship was a major boost for the all-ladies team and would strengthen their participation in the conservation initiative.
“As Team Zambarau, we are grateful for Safaricom’s support. This is a huge boost for us as an all-ladies team, and it has always been our wish to have them as our sponsors in this noble cause. Their commitment strengthens our resolve, providing us with the resources and confidence to compete at our best. 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,” Mwangi
Richard Kiplagat, Team Lead, EV Explorers, also welcomed the continued support, noting that the EV Explorers team aims to promote electric mobility and environmental conservation through the competition.
“As a team, we are truly grateful for Safaricom’s continued support for this event. This is the second year in a row they are backing us, and we deeply appreciate it. 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, Team Lead, EV Explorers.
Rhino Charge Continues Conservation Legacy
Last year’s event in Baringo County raised KES 269.5 million for conservation activities, with Adil Khawaja emerging as the top fundraiser after raising KES 139.8 million.
Safaricom has supported the Rhino Charge for more than a decade, helping raise over KES 2.6 billion for conservation projects across Kenya. The funds have supported electric fencing projects in Mt. Kenya, the Aberdares, and Kakamega Forest, protecting more than 80,000 families from human-wildlife conflict.
According to Christian Lambrechts, Rhino Ark has so far built over 650 kilometres of electric fencing to support conservation and community protection efforts across the country.
“The impact of this initiative has been significant for both conservancies and communities at large. This year’s preparations for the Rhino Charge Challenge are in full swing, and 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. I would like to sincerely thank all our sponsors, including the M-PESA Foundation and Safaricom, whose support has been instrumental to this journey for over a decade,” Lambrechts.