By Eddah Waithaka
This year’s Rhino Charge raised a remarkable KES 365 million, the highest amount ever collected by Rhino Ark during the Saturday event 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 KES 216 million, the highest amount any single team has ever raised at the Rhino Charge.
“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 KES 139.8 million, compared to KES 175 million in 2024 and KES 60 million in 2023.
Mark Glen (Car No. 48) and Peter Kinyua (Car No. 23) raised KES 10.8 million and KES 8.5 million respectively, emerging as the second and third highest fundraisers in this year’s challenge. Martin Kinyanjui of Magnate Chargers (Car No. 62) finished fourth with KES 7.7 million, while Robin Tilbury (Car No. 35) placed fifth after raising KES 7 million.
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The funds raised will support the activities of the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust, including the conservation and protection of Kenya’s mountain range ecosystems, the country’s critical “water towers.”
Rhino Ark also handed over a KES 9.1 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, while legendary Mark Glen (Car No. 48) and Adil Khawaja (Car No. 44, AK44) finished 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 KES 114 million from M-PESA Foundation and Safaricom PLC. Of this, M-PESA Foundation committed KES 94 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: 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.
