Adil Khawaja's remarkable achievement stood out at the 2024 Rhino Charge, held on Saturday, at the picturesque Torosei in Kajiado County.

His car, AK44, secured the highest individual fundraising amount for the second consecutive year, amassing an impressive Sh175,100,595 and surpassing his previous record.

This notable contribution was a key highlight of an event that raised an astounding Sh325 million for conservation efforts.

Graham McKittrick, driving Car 5, clinched the overall victory, advancing from his third-place finish last year.

Close on his heels was Sean Avery with Bundu Fundi (Car 38), maintaining his previous year’s position.

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Team Huzi, led by Jeremy Holley in Car 33, completed the top three.

The event saw an increase in participation, with 54 out of a potential 65 competitors joining, compared to 52 the previous year.

This growing engagement underscores the expanding support for the conservation cause championed by Rhino Charge.

The vibrant prize-giving ceremony on Sunday morning featured Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, representing President William Ruto.

Tuya lauded the Rhino Ark Charitable Trust for its dedication to protecting and restoring Kenya’s water towers and commended the competitors and sponsors for their unwavering support over the past 35 years.

She also highlighted the government's efforts in conservation, including the recruitment of a record 2,700 forest rangers.

The ceremony was graced by notable attendees, including Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku, Safaricom Chairman and Car 44 driver Adil Khawaja, Kenya's UNEP Permanent Representative nominee Amb. Gertrude Angote, KFS Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko, KWS Director General Dr. Erustus Kanga, and Elijah Muli from the Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board.

Rhino Ark Executive Director Christian Lambrechts expressed gratitude for the increasing involvement of private companies, such as Safaricom, which has contributed Sh282 million to date towards the conservation work of the Charity, and government agencies like the Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board.

The local Torosei community received Sh8.4 million for hosting the event, supplemented by an additional Sh2 million donation from President Ruto through Tuya.

These funds are earmarked for community projects, including the construction of classrooms at Torosei Secondary School.

Peter Kinyua and his car, No. 23, secured the second-highest fundraising position, followed by Car 62, entered by Stanley Kinyanjui.

Khawaja emphasized the importance of mentoring young environmental protection enthusiasts to sustain conservation efforts.

In the competition’s various categories, Khawaja's AK44 also claimed the prestigious Victor Ludorum award, which considers both distances covered and funds raised.

He was followed by Peter Kinyua's Car No. 23 and Tim Carstens' Aussie Rules in Car 63.

Peter Francombe's 'Roving Rogues' Car 40 triumphed in the Modified Class Category, with James Boorman's Car 57 – Team 57, and Khawaja's AK44 securing the second and third positions respectively.

The Unmodified Class saw John Bowden's Car No. 9 (Gumtree 4x4) maintain its dominance for the fourth consecutive year.

Mark Tilbury's Car No. 35 (Hog Charge Team) and Nicholas Foley's Car 4 - 'Foley Charger' followed.

The newly introduced Half-Charge category was won by Rishi Chauhan’s Car 17, Pumba Patrol, with Car 58 – Batuk 58 entered by Luke Symonds in second place.

In the Tiger Line 1 category, Car 22 – Smiling Shenzis entered by Gray Cullen claimed the top spot, followed by Graham McKittrick’s Car No. 5 (Team 5) and Jeremy Holley's Car No. 33 (Team Huzi).

For Tiger Line 2, Mark Glen's Car 48 – Team 48 secured the top position, followed by Asit Patel's Car No. 26, and Car 6 – Team Ole Choda entered by Manee Choda.

The Gauntlet award went to Ravi Patel’s Car 11 - Frying Squad, with Jaspal Matharu’s Car 24 - Fat Rhinos and Sean Avery’s Car 38 - Bundu Fundi in second and third places respectively.

In the Super Modified Class, McKittrick’s Car No. 5 claimed the top spot, followed by Sean Avery’s Bundu Fundi (Car 38) and Jeremy Holley’s Team Huzi (Car 33).

The Rhino Charge continues to be a testament to the dedication and effort of participants, sponsors, and organisers in their pursuit of conservation and environmental protection.

Adil Khawaja’s exceptional fundraising achievements underscore the importance of individual contributions in driving collective success.

This year's Rhino Charge not only highlighted the competitive spirit and dedication of its participants but also reinforced the critical role of fundraising in supporting Kenya’s conservation efforts.