Rhino Charge 2026: Safaricom Funding Reinforces Shift from Sponsorship to Conservation Infrastructure Investment

The Rhino Charge 2026 Challenge has attracted a KES 114 million commitment from Safaricom PLC and the M-PESA Foundation, reinforcing the event’s expanding role beyond motorsport into environmental restoration, digital inclusion, and community protection.

The funding will support the 37th edition of the off-road competition scheduled for May 30 in Samburu, implemented through the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust, which channels proceeds into conservation of Kenya’s critical water towers.

Conservation spending focused on long-term ecosystem recovery

The largest portion—KES 94 million from the M-PESA Foundation—will be directed to forest restoration and protection projects across key ecological zones.

These include fencing and securing the Mount Elgon Forest (Suam Block), restoring the Mau Forest Complex across Narok, Kericho and Bomet counties, and rehabilitating the Mount Kenya forest ecosystem in Tharaka Nithi County.

These interventions aim to strengthen Kenya’s water towers, which are essential for rainfall regulation, agriculture, and water supply security across multiple regions.

Event support expands into digital infrastructure

Safaricom PLC’s KES 20 million contribution will support both competition logistics and connectivity infrastructure.

KES 17 million will fund three entries: Car No. 44 led by Adil Khawaja, the EV Explorers led by Richard Kiplagat, and the Zambarau Heels on the Wheel all-women team led by Agnes Mwangi. The remaining KES 3 million will enhance communication systems during the event.

A key feature of this year’s edition is improved network coverage in remote terrain, including 5G deployment aimed at enabling real-time coordination, safety monitoring, and audience engagement in the rugged Samburu environment.

Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said the initiative reflects a broader sustainability and impact strategy:

“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.”

Inclusion and innovation become part of the competition narrative

Beyond conservation, the sponsorship is increasingly shaping participation dynamics in the event.

Car No. 44 receives KES 15 million, while both the EV Explorers and Zambarau teams receive KES 1 million each.

The EV Explorers continue to use the competition as a testing ground for electric mobility in extreme off-road conditions, while the Zambarau team highlights growing inclusion of women in motorsport and conservation fundraising spaces.

Long-term conservation footprint continues to grow

Last year’s edition raised KES 269.5 million, contributing to a cumulative total of over KES 2.6 billion mobilized through Safaricom-backed Rhino Charge initiatives over more than a decade.

According to Rhino Ark, more than 650 kilometres of electric fencing have been installed across Kenya’s forest ecosystems, reducing human-wildlife conflict and protecting over 80,000 households living near forest boundaries.

With about 55 entries expected this year, organizers say the Rhino Charge continues to evolve into a multi-layered platform where conservation financing, technology deployment, and community impact converge through a single national event.