Rhino Charge Raises Record Ksh 365 Million as Adil Khawaja Smashes Fundraising Milestone

The 37th edition of the Rhino Charge has set a new fundraising record after collecting Ksh 365 million, the highest amount ever raised in the history of the off-road motorsport event that supports environmental conservation initiatives across Kenya.

The fundraising milestone was achieved during Saturday’s event held at Ngilai Community Conservancy in Samburu County, with participants, sponsors, and conservation supporters rallying behind efforts aimed at protecting Kenya’s critical mountain ecosystems and water towers.

Leading the fundraising effort was Safaricom-backed charger Adil Khawaja of Car No. 44 (AK44), who retained his position as the top fundraiser for the fourth consecutive year after raising an unprecedented Ksh 216 million, the highest amount ever raised by a single team in the history of the Rhino Charge.

“Retaining the top fundraiser title for the fourth consecutive year is an honour, not just for me but for the entire team. 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,” Adil Khawaja, Team Lead, Car No. 44 (AK44) said.

Khawaja Maintains Domination in Rhino Charge Fundraising

This current success is indicative of a considerable increase over the past few years. Khawaja was able to collect Ksh 139.8 million in 2025, while in 2024 he had collected Ksh 175 million, and Ksh 60 million in 2023.

Khawaja raised Ksh 216 million, while Mark Glen (Car No. 48) and Peter Kinyua (Car No. 23) raised Ksh 10.8 million and Ksh 8.5 million, respectively, emerging as the second and third highest fundraisers in this year’s challenge.

Martin Kinyanjui of Magnate Chargers (Car No. 62) finished fourth after raising Ksh 7.7 million, while Robin Tilbury (Car No. 35) secured fifth place with Ksh 7 million.

Organisers said the funds raised will support the work of Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust, particularly conservation and protection projects targeting Kenya’s mountain range ecosystems, commonly referred to as the country’s water towers.

In addition to conservation funding, Rhino Ark handed over a Ksh 9.1 million cheque to the Ngilai community to support a range of local development projects.

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Team Huzi Retains Overall Competition Title

Beyond fundraising, the competition itself attracted 65 cars battling challenging terrain in Samburu County.

Team Huzi (Car No. 33), led by Oliver Outram, successfully defended its crown after covering all 13 checkpoints over a 27-kilometre course under the super modified category, retaining the overall title for a second consecutive year.

The Hatarious Chargers (Car No. 3), led by Gurmeet Mehta, finished second after covering 30.4 kilometres.

The driver, Patrick Garner from Braeburn Seven Squared (car No. 49), achieved third position after running for 31.1 kilometers.

Mark Glen, the driver who is known as a legendary charger, achieved fourth position after running 31.9 kilometers, while Adil Khawaja completed fifth position by covering 32.2 kilometers.

Khawaja’s successful outing was further rewarded with the prestigious Victor Ludorum award, recognising his outstanding performance during the 2026 competition.

Also Read: Rhino Charge 2026 Raises Ksh 365 Million for Conservation as Team Huzi Car 33 Retains Crown

Conservation Efforts Are Boosted by Safaricom and M-PESA Foundation

Sponsorship funding worth Ksh 114 million was secured for the 2026 Rhino Charge from both Safaricom PLC and the M-PESA Foundation.

Of the total sponsorship package, M-PESA Foundation committed Ksh 94 million towards Rhino Ark conservation projects, including fencing and protection of the Mount Elgon Forest (Suam Block) and restoration initiatives in the Mau Forest Complex across Narok, Kericho, and Bomet counties.

Part of Safaricom PLC’s sponsorship facilitated participation for Car No. 44, Car No. 29 (The EV Explorers) and Car No. 50 (Team Zambarau, Heels on Wheels), while also supporting network connectivity throughout the event.

The organization is currently working with more than 71.6 million customers in Kenya and Ethiopia and plays a critical role in driving economic growth in the region through connectivity, digital and financial inclusion.

The organization registered revenues worth Ksh 400 billion in March 2026 and continues to grow through the use of M-PESA, which has played a critical role in ensuring that the financial inclusion rate in Kenya grows to 84.8 percent while earning more than Ksh 182.7 billion in the same year.

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Adil Khawaja of Car No. 44 (AK 44) navigates the rugged terrain during the 2026 Rhino Charge Challenge at Ngilai Community Conservancy in Samburu County. PHOTO/ File