The 37th edition of the annual Rhino Charge has etched its name in the history books, raising an unprecedented Ksh. 365 million for environmental conservation. The event was held on Saturday at the Ngilai Community Conservancy in Samburu County.
A total of 65 cars competed in this year’s grueling event, testing both the mechanical endurance of the vehicles and the fundraising grit of the teams.
Leading the charge in philanthropy, Safaricom-backed competitor Adil Khawaja of Car No. 44 (AK44) retained the top fundraiser position for the fourth consecutive year. Khawaja shattered previous records by raising an astonishing Ksh. 216 million. This is the highest amount ever secured by a single team in the history of the Rhino Charge.
Khawaja’s fundraising trajectory showcases an incredible year-on-year growth:
- 2023: Ksh. 60 million
- 2024: Ksh. 175 million
- 2025: Ksh. 139.8 million
- 2026: Ksh. 216 million
“Retaining the top fundraiser title for the fourth consecutive year is an honour, not just for me but for the entire team,” said Khawaja, who also clinched the Victor Ludorum award. “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.”
Other notable philanthropic leaders of the 2026 charge include:
| Position | Competitor / Team | Car No. | Amount Raised |
| 1st | Adil Khawaja (AK44) | 44 | Ksh. 216 million |
| 2nd | Mark Glen | 48 | Ksh. 10.8 million |
| 3rd | Peter Kinyua | 23 | Ksh. 8.5 million |
| 4th | Martin Kinyanjui (Magnate Chargers) | 62 | Ksh. 7.7 million |
| 5th | Robin Tilbury | 35 | Ksh. 7.0 million |
The massive financial success of this year’s event was heavily bolstered by corporate partnerships, headlined by a Ksh. 114 million combined sponsorship from Safaricom PLC and the M-PESA Foundation.
The M-PESA Foundation committed Ksh. 94 million directly toward Rhino Ark’s core conservation activities. These funds are earmarked for critical infrastructure and restoration projects, including the fencing and protection of the Mount Elgon Forest (Suam Block) and the restoration of the Mau Forest Complex spanning Narok, Kericho, and Bomet counties.
Meanwhile, Safaricom PLC provided vital on-the-ground network connectivity for the event and sponsored three competing vehicles: Car No. 44, Car No. 29 (The EV Explorers), and Car No. 50 (Team Zambarau, Heels on Wheels).
Team Huzi (Car No. 33), led by Oliver Outram, successfully defended their crown in the super modified category. They claimed the overall 2026 title for the second consecutive year by efficiently covering the course.
Top 5 Race Finishers:
- Team Huzi (Car No. 33) – Led by Oliver Outram (27 km)
- The Hatarious Chargers (Car No. 3) – Led by Gurmeet Mehta (30.4 km)
- Braeburn Seven Squared (Car No. 49) – Led by Patrick Garner (31.1 km)
- Mark Glen (Car No. 48) – (31.9 km)
- Adil Khawaja (Car No. 44) – (32.2 km)
The Ksh. 365 million raised will directly support the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust in its mission to protect and conserve Kenya’s mountain range ecosystems, famously referred to as the nation’s water towers.
Rhino Ark also handed over a Ksh. 9.1 million cheque to the host community. This money will fund various local development projects within the Ngilai Community Conservancy.