The rugged terrains of Saimo Soi in Baringo North are set to roar to life this Saturday as the 36th edition of the iconic Rhino Charge motorsport challenge gets underway.

This year’s event has drawn 64 daring competitors from across Kenya, but one team is making history: EV Explorers, the first electric vehicle to ever participate in the Rhino Charge.

Sponsored by M-Pesa, the team is out to prove that sustainability and motorsport can go hand in hand.

“We’ve been charging for 23 years, but this is our first time tackling the challenge in an electric vehicle,” said EV Explorers team leader Richard Kiplagat.

“This is a historic moment for Kenya’s motorsport scene. Climate change is real, and it’s affecting conservation efforts. We want to be part of the solution by championing a more sustainable approach. We’re grateful to Safaricom and M-Pesa for making this possible.”

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Another spotlight team is Car No. 44 (AK 44), led by conservationist and lawyer Adil Khawaja.

Sponsored by Safaricom, Khawaja was the top fundraiser in last year’s competition, raising a record-breaking Sh175 million.

In total, the 2024 event raised Sh325.8 million — the highest ever — in support of Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust’s conservation efforts.

This year, Car No 44 and the EV Explorers (Car No. 29) have already helped secure Sh25.8 million in sponsorships, with Safaricom also providing crucial network connectivity for the event.

Veteran teams returning to the rugged circuit include:

• Car No. 5, five-time champions led by Graham McKittrick

• Car No. 4, the 2023 titleholders under Mark Glen

• Car No. 43 headed by Peter Kinyua

The ever-spirited Fat Rhinos, Smiling Shenzis, Team Huzi, Zambarau Heels on the Wheel, BATUK, and Moto Moto under Rajesh Maini.


Among them is also Patrick Garner, team lead for Car No 49, who emphasized the personal value of the event: “We’ve been part of the Charge for over two decades. It’s a family affair for us. We’re passionate about nature and conservation. The car is ready, and we’re excited to take on the challenge — while having some fun too.”

The Rhino Charge is more than just an adrenaline-fueled motorsport challenge.

It is a crucial fundraiser for the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust, which works to preserve Kenya’s ecosystems, biodiversity, and livelihoods through various conservation projects.

Since its inception, Safaricom has been a key partner in the event, helping raise over Sh2.4 billion.

These funds have facilitated electric fencing around vital ecosystems such as Mt Kenya, the Aberdares, and Kakamega Forest — all critical water towers and wildlife habitats.

As the 2025 edition kicks off, it’s clear that the Rhino Charge is not just about who wins, but how the collective spirit of adventure, innovation, and environmental commitment drives Kenya’s conservation story forward.