Safaricom Injects KES 114M to Boost the 37th Edition of the Rhino Charge Challenge
These interventions are increasingly viewed as “green infrastructure,” designed to stabilize ecosystems that regulate water supply, agricultural productivity, and climate resilience across Kenya.
The 2026 Rhino Charge Challenge has received a KES 114 million boost from Safaricom PLC and the M-PESA Foundation, highlighting a growing trend where corporate sponsorship is evolving into direct investment in environmental infrastructure.
The funding supports the 37th edition of the off-road conservation event scheduled for May 30 in Samburu, delivered through the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust, which uses the race to finance long-term protection of Kenya’s water towers.
Conservation focus framed as infrastructure for ecosystems
Of the total package, KES 94 million from the M-PESA Foundation will be allocated to structural ecosystem protection and restoration.
Key projects include fencing and safeguarding the Mount Elgon Forest (Suam Block), restoring degraded sections of the Mau Forest Complex across Narok, Kericho and Bomet counties, and rehabilitating the Mount Kenya forest landscape in Tharaka Nithi County.
These interventions are increasingly viewed as “green infrastructure,” designed to stabilize ecosystems that regulate water supply, agricultural productivity, and climate resilience across Kenya.
Event support integrates connectivity with field operations
Safaricom PLC will provide KES 20 million toward both participation and operational connectivity during the competition.
KES 17 million will support three entries—Car No. 44 led by Adil Khawaja, the EV Explorers led by Richard Kiplagat, and the Zambarau Heels on the Wheel team led by Agnes Mwangi—while KES 3 million will enhance communication systems during the event.
A notable feature of this year’s sponsorship is the integration of enhanced digital infrastructure, including 5G connectivity in remote Samburu terrain, aimed at improving coordination, safety, and real-time communication between teams and organizers.
Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said the initiative reflects a long-term sustainability philosophy:
“This year, we are proud to commit KES 114 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. Our support for the Rhino Charge reflects our commitment to practical conservation efforts that protect Kenya’s natural heritage while driving innovation and resilience.”
Motorsport evolving into a platform for innovation testing
The sponsorship also continues to shape participation trends, with Car No. 44 receiving KES 15 million, while the EV Explorers and Zambarau teams receive KES 1 million each.
The EV Explorers are using the competition to demonstrate electric vehicle performance in extreme off-road conditions, while the Zambarau team continues to advance women’s visibility in motorsport and conservation fundraising.
Long-term impact driven by sustained partnership
Last year’s Rhino Charge raised KES 269.5 million, adding to more than KES 2.6 billion mobilized over a decade of Safaricom-supported conservation efforts.
According to Rhino Ark, more than 650 kilometres of electric fencing have been constructed across key forest ecosystems, significantly reducing human-wildlife conflict and protecting over 80,000 households living near forest boundaries.
With around 55 entries expected this year, the Rhino Charge continues to stand out as a rare convergence point where corporate capital, environmental restoration, and experimental mobility come together in one national conservation platform.
