Safaricom, M-PESA Foundation Commit Sh114 Million to 2026 Rhino Charge
Safaricom PLC’s Karen Basiye, Director of Sustainable Business and Social Impact, hands over a sponsorship cheque for the Rhino Charge 2026 to Mr. Richard Kiplagat of Team EV Explorers. Karen Basiye, Director of Sustainable Business and Social Impact at Safaricom PLC (left), presents a cheque to Richard Kiplagat of Team EV EXplorers (right) during the sponsorship announcement for the 2026 Rhino Charge Challenge event held at the Safaricom Headquarters in Nairobi.
The 2026 Rhino Charge Challenge has received a major financial boost after Safaricom and the M-PESA Foundation committed a combined Sh114 million towards this year’s edition and ongoing conservation initiatives across the country.
The annual off-road motorsport event, scheduled for May 30 in Samburu, raises funds to support environmental conservation projects led by the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust.
Out of the total sponsorship, the M-PESA Foundation will provide Sh94 million to support conservation efforts, including the fencing and protection of the Mount Elgon Forest’s Suam Block and the restoration of the Mau Forest Complex across Narok, Kericho and Bomet counties. The funding will also support the Mount Kenya Forest Rehabilitation and Protection Project in Tharaka Nithi County.
Safaricom has separately committed Sh20 million towards sponsoring participating teams and providing connectivity support during the event. The telecommunications firm said Sh17 million will support three participating teams, including Car No. 44 led by Adil Khawaja, the EV Explorers team headed by Richard Kiplagat and the all-women team Zambarau Heels on the Wheel led by Agnes Mwangi. The remaining Sh3 million will facilitate network connectivity during the challenge.
Speaking during the cheque handover ceremony in Nairobi, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said sustainability remains central to the company’s long-term strategy.
“This year, we are proud to commit Sh114 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,” said Ndegwa.
Safaricom added that the event will benefit from 5G connectivity deployment aimed at improving communication and enhancing the experience for both participants and spectators in the remote terrain.
The 37th edition of the Rhino Charge is expected to attract more than 55 entries, including reigning champions Team Huzi and the all-ladies Team Zambarau.
Members of participating teams welcomed the sponsorship, saying it would help strengthen their participation and conservation efforts.
Last year’s event in Baringo County raised Sh269.5 million towards conservation of Kenya’s water towers, with Adil Khawaja emerging as the top fundraiser for the third consecutive year after raising Sh139.8 million.
Safaricom has supported the Rhino Charge for more than a decade, helping raise over Sh2.6 billion for environmental conservation projects across Kenya. The funds have supported electric fencing initiatives in areas including Mt Kenya, the Aberdares and Kakamega Forest while helping reduce human-wildlife conflict affecting thousands of families.
Rhino Ark Executive Director Christian Lambrechts said preparations for this year’s challenge are underway, with organisers expecting up to 65 entries participating in both the competition and fundraising efforts.