Rhino charge raises record Sh173 million for conservation
The 2023 Rhino Charge edition has raised a total of Kes173 million, the second highest amount of all time. The event went down on Saturday at Nkoteyia Community Conservancy in Samburu County.
The highest fundraiser was Adil Khawaja of Car 44 (AK44) with Kes60 million up from Kes21.7 million in last year’s action. Peter Kinyua’s Car No. 23 and Tim Carstens’ Car No 63 were the second and third-highest fundraiser respectively.
President William Ruto assured the organisers of the event of the government’s support for their efforts towards environmental conservation.
“Congratulations to the Rhino Ark Trust and all partners who have put this event together for the phenomenal work on matters pertaining to environmental conservation. Your partnership in fencing some of our very important assets around our water towers is something for which we are eternally grateful. We are now more determined than ever to ensure that we live in an environmentally friendly world. I promise you our collaboration and commitment on environmental issues,” said Dr Ruto.
The overall 2023 Rhino Charge challenge winner was Car No. 48 led by Mark Glen. Taking the second and third positions were Car. No 38 and Car No. 38 (Bundu Fundi) led by Sean Avery and Car No. 5 led by Graham McKittrick respectively.
The Modified Class Category was claimed by Car No. 60 (Mbuzi Bandits) entered by Ajitesh Kapoor whereas the unmodified category was claimed by Car No.9 (Gumtree 4 x 4) led by John Bowden. Tiger Line (Slater – Flower Watch) category was taken by Car No. 33 (Team Huzi) led by Jeremy Holley, with Car No. 22 (The smiling Shenzis) emerging the winner of the Tiger Line (Oceanagri -Sandstorm) Category. Victor Ludom Award went to Graham McKittrick of Car No.5.
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“This is one of the toughest courses I have experienced so far here in Kenya. However, I am thrilled by this noble cause spearheaded towards environmental conservation. I participate in the Rhino Charge because I firmly believe in the urgent need to protect our environment and preserve biodiversity. Each step I take in this challenge symbolizes a powerful gesture aimed at raising awareness about our critical role in safeguarding our planet’s natural treasures. Through my participation, I strive to inspire others to embrace their responsibility and take action in conserving our ecosystems, thus ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come,” said Mark Glen
During the prize-giving ceremony, Kes7 million was donated to benefit the Nkoteyia community where the event was hosted. This was courtesy of Kes5 million from Rhino Ark Trust and Kes2 million from the President.
This year’s Rhino Charge attracted a total of 52 cars taking part in the challenge aimed at raising funds to support vital environmental conservation efforts in the region. The event received a significant sponsorship of Kes15 million from Safaricom.
Part of the sponsorship also supported Car No. 44 led by Adil Khawaja. Meanwhile, the M-PESA Foundation also committed to supporting the restoration of Kakamega Forest through the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust and its partners, who aim to raise funds to preserve our ecosystems, bio-diversity and livelihoods through environmental conservation.
One of the primary objectives of the Rhino Charge Challenge is to generate funds for environment conservation initiatives. Over the years, the event has successfully raised significant amounts of money to support various projects focused on wildlife conservation, habitat preservation, and community development in the region. The funds raised have contributed to the protection of endangered species, the restoration of ecosystems, and the improvement of local livelihoods.
