This year’s Rhino Charge has raised a remarkable Sh365 million, the highest amount ever raised by the Rhino Ark during the event held on Saturday at Ngilai Community Conservancy in Samburu County.
Safaricom-backed charger Adil Khawaja of Car No. 44 (AK44) retained the top fundraiser position for the fourth consecutive year after raising Sh216 million, the highest amounts ever raised by a single team at the Rhino Charge event.
“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).
Last year, Mr. Khawaja raised Sh139.8 million, compared to Sh175 million in 2024 and Sh60 million in 2023.
Mark Glen (Car No. 48) and Peter Kinyua (Car No. 23) raised Sh10.8 million and Sh8.5 million respectively, emerging as the second and third highest fundraisers in this year’s challenge. Martin Kinyanjui of Magnate Chargers (Car No. 62) emerged fourth with Sh7.7 million, while Robin Tilbury (Car No. 35) placed fifth after raising Sh7 million.
The funds raised will go towards supporting the activities of the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust, including the conservation and protection of Kenya’s mountain range ecosystems, commonly known as the country’s “water towers.”
The Rhino Ark also handed over a Sh9.1 million cheque to support the Ngilai community in various community projects.
The 2026 challenge, which also marked the 37th edition, featured 65 cars. Team Huzi (Car No. 33), led by Oliver Outram, claimed the overall title after covering all 13 checkpoints over a 27 km course under the super modified category, successfully retaining the title for the second year in a row.
The Hatarious Chargers (Car No. 3), led by Gurmeet Mehta, took second place after covering 30.4 km. Patrick Garner of Braeburn Seven Squared (Car No. 49) settled for third position after covering 31.1 km, with legendary Mark Glen (Car No. 48) and Adil Khawaja (Car No. 44, AK44) finishing fourth and fifth after covering 31.9 km and 32.2 km respectively, completing the top five in the 2026 challenge.
Adil Khawaja also clinched the top Victor Ludorum award of the year.
This year’s Rhino Charge received significant sponsorship support of Sh114 million from M-PESA Foundation and Safaricom. Of this, M-PESA Foundation committed Sh94 million towards Rhino Ark’s conservation activities, including fencing and protection of the Mount Elgon Forest (Suam Block) and restoration of the Mau Forest Complex across Narok, Kericho, and Bomet counties.
Part of Safaricom PLC’s sponsorship supported three cars including; Car No. 44, Car No. 29 (The EV Explorers), and Car No. 50 (Team Zambarau, Heels on Wheels), as well as network connectivity during the event.
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