Safaricom has announced a Sh15 million sponsorship deal for the 2023 Rhino Charge competition that normally supports the activities of the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust.

M-Pesa Foundation also pledged to support Kakamega Forest reforestation via the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust and its partners who aim to foster environmental conservation.

This year’s Rhino Charge is slated for June 3 in Laikipia County and has attracted a total of 65 rally drivers, who include Kenyan rally legend Ian Duncan and his team ‘KTM Cruisers’

Among those who will take part in the contests is defending champion Sean Avery with his Car No 38 (Bundufundi), Peter Kinyua of Car No 23, Adil Khawaja of Car No 44, Eddy Verbeek of Car No 1, Ravi Patel of Frying Squad, and John Bowden of Gumtree 4X4 Car 9.

Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust Executive Director Christian Lambrechts and Safaricom Chief Business and Strategy Officer, Michael Mutiga. PHOTO/SAFARICOM

“The Sh15 million sponsorship further reaffirms our unwavering support for the annual Rhino Charge competition. Part of this sponsorship will support Car Number 44 led by Adil Khawaja,” said Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa.

Ndegwa says Safaricom will continue to work with other entities to find sustainable conservation solutions in mountain forest ecosystems among other biodiversity areas.

He noted that, through partnerships with local communities and Kenya Forest Services (KFS), Safaricom has planted 1.3 million trees and restored 1,300 ha of degraded government forests since 2018.