Kedowa: Samburu County has officially been announced as the host of the 37th edition of the Rhino Charge, Kenya’s premier off-road motorsport event that raises funds for forest and wildlife conservation. The announcement was made by Clerk of Course Don White during the Drivers’ Briefing held at Braeburn School in Nairobi. The briefing was attended by competitors, sponsors, officials, checkpoint crews, camp operators, and members of the media ahead of the annual conservation-driven competition.
According to Kenya News Agency, the exact competition location will remain undisclosed until just days before the event. However, route notes are expected to begin at Archers Post on the Isiolo-Samburu border, maintaining the event’s long-standing culture of secrecy and competitive integrity. White highlighted several key developments ahead of this year’s event, including the addition of seven new entrants.
White explained that the new entrants signify the event’s growing relevance to a new generation, which not only makes the event more sustainable but also helps secure additional funding for Rhino Ark projects. He also noted improvements in the use of GPS technology following a comprehensive review process, aimed at achieving more accurate results in response to increased competitiveness at the event.
On aviation safety, White issued a critical reminder to participants arriving by air, emphasizing the need for pre-authorization to ensure safe operations during the event. He introduced new members of the Rhino Charge team, including Philip Watson, formerly navigator of car number five, who now heads the Rhino Charge Results Committee. Watson outlined improvements in results management, noting that results will be shared with each team shortly after the event.
Organised by Rhino Ark Charitable Trust, the Rhino Charge remains one of Kenya’s most unique conservation fundraising initiatives. Since its inception in 1989, the event has raised over Sh2.7 billion to support the protection of critical ecosystems, including the Aberdare Range, Mount Kenya, the Mau Forest Complex, and Kakamega Forest.
This year’s event has attracted a full entry list of 65 competition vehicles, underscoring its enduring appeal and competitive prestige. Speaking at the briefing, Rhino Ark Charitable Trust CEO Christian Lambrechts highlighted major conservation milestones achieved over the past year, particularly in the Southern Mau Forest.
Lambrechts revealed that Rhino Ark has established a new field office in Olenguruone to coordinate the implementation of a major EU-supported conservation programme, alongside partnerships with private sector players focused on landscape restoration and protection. He also reported steady progress in Rhino Ark’s flagship electric fencing programme.
Lambrechts emphasized that while fencing remains a cornerstone of Rhino Ark’s conservation strategy, it also comes with long-term maintenance demands. He highlighted broader progress across Rhino Ark’s programmes, including community livelihoods, environmental education, forest restoration, and endangered species recovery.
Set against Samburu’s rugged semi-arid terrain, the 2026 Rhino Charge promises a compelling blend of adventure, innovation, and environmental conservation. The region’s dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage are expected to provide a spectacular backdrop for this year’s event. According to the organisers, the dates will run from 29th to 31st May 2026, in Samburu County with the theme ‘Adventure, Community, Conservation’. The first day will be Scrutineering, the second day will be the main competition, and the third day will be the prize-giving ceremony and official closing.
