• This year's event took place on June 1, 2024, at the picturesque Torosei in Kajiado County.
• The price giving ceremony was held on June 2 at the Charge venue, graced by Environment CS Soipan Tuya, representing President William Ruto.
The terrain for this year's annual 4x4 competition, meant to raise funds for the protection of Kenya's water towers, was tough.
This, however, did not dampen the spirit of team Zambarau, composed of indigenous women from Kenya, from showcasing their driving skills and their love for conservation.
Winnie Maru, the navigator, said the competition provided them with a platform to promote gender equality.
“We are doing this to inspire each and every woman out there. We know there are many sports that are male-dominated. Rhino Charge is no different, as out of 64 teams, only three are female teams, and we are the only team that is indigenous," Maru, 50, said.
"We are sending a message that Kenyans of our descent can come out and participate and even support us so that we go far,” she said.
This year's event took place on June 1, 2024, at the picturesque Torosei in Kajiado County.
Some Sh325 million was raised for conservation efforts.
Maru said Zambarau is a purple colour associated with the fight for women’s rights.
“We are the only Kenyan women in the competition. We are here to participate because we love conservation, and we also love having fun. We are off-roaders with a club called Bundu Rovers Club, which is a club of 4x4 owners in Kenya,” she added.
Maru was the navigator, while Agnes Mwangi was the driver.
A total of four spotters were helping the team navigate the tough terrain.
Maru said the rhino charge embodies what we aspire for.
She said they love off-roading and conservation, as the two are close to their hearts.
“I have been involved in conservation; I run a tour company myself. Agnes, the driver, is also an environmental scientist,” Maru said.
Maru said combining what they love—off-roading and conservation provided them with a good opportunity and platform.
She said the Executive Office of the President’s Women’s Rights Advisor, Harriette Chiggai, has been very supportive.
Maru said they got some funding through the Tourism Fund.
“We thank all the people who have come to support us. We have sponsors, and we have well-wishers. Some of us have been participating in Rhino Charge for many years, but mainly as spectators.”
Maru said that before deciding to throw their ring into the game, it took them many years.
She said there are stereotypes in games to the effect that some are only for men.
Maru said plunging into the game was very difficult because it was a capital-intensive project.
But with the support of friends and family, they have been able to reach this far.
During the completion, Maru and her team used a two-door Range Rover with a V8 engine and 3.9 liters.
They took part in the unmodified category in full charge.
They purchased the car before embarking on building it for the job.
Maru said buying and building the car and the logistics to get it to completion are costly, adding that they require a lot of sacrifice.
“To get to this point has actually required blood, sweat, and tears,” she said.
She said there is a need to support women so that they take up their spaces.
The 2024 Rhino Charge saw Graham McKittrick (Car 5) clinch the overall victory, moving up from last year's third position.
Following closely behind was Sean Avery-Bundu Fundi (Car 38), who maintained his position from the previous year.
In third place was Car 33, also known as Team Huzi, entered by Jeremy Holley.
This year, they were delighted to welcome 54 out of a potential 65 competitors, an increase from last year's 52, showcasing growing participation and support.
The price giving ceremony was held on June 2 at the Charge venue, graced by Environment CS Soipan Tuya, representing President William Ruto.
Tuya commended the Rhino Ark Charitable Trust for its conservation achievements in protecting and restoring Kenya’s water towers and applauded the fundraising efforts of Rhino Charge competitors and sponsors over the past 35 years.
Underscoring the government's commitment to conservation, Tuya highlighted the significant reduction in forest crimes through initiatives like the recruitment of a record 2,700 forest rangers.
The ceremony was also attended by Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku, Safaricom Chairman and Car 44 driver Adil Khawaja and Kenya's UNEP Permanent Representative nominee Gertrude Angote.
KFS Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko, KWS Director General Dr. Erustus Kanga and Elijah Muli from the Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board were also in attendance.
Rhino Ark Executive Director Christian Lambrechts expressed gratitude for the increasing involvement of private companies, such as Safaricom, which has contributed Sh 282 million to date towards the conservation work of the charity, and government agencies like the Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board in the conservation cause.
The local Torosei community received a total of Sh 8.4 million for hosting the event, along with an additional donation of Sh 2 million from President Ruto through Tuya.
These funds will support community projects, especially the construction of classrooms at Torosei Secondary School.
The highlight of the fundraising efforts was Adil Khawaja's remarkable achievement.
His car, AK44, secured the highest individual fundraising amount for the second consecutive year, with an impressive Sh 175,100,595, surpassing his previous record.
Peter Kinyua and his car, No. 23, secured the second position, followed by Car 62, and entered by Stanley Kinyanjui.
Khawaja emphasized the importance of mentoring young environmental protection enthusiasts to ensure the sustainability of conservation efforts.
The Victor Ludorum award, which recognizes both distance covered and funds raised, was claimed by Adil Khawaja's AK44, and followed by Peter Kinyua's Car No. 23 and Tim Carstens' Aussie Rules in Car 63.
In the Modified Class Category, Peter Francombe's 'Roving Rogues' Car 40 emerged victorious, followed by James Boorman's Car 57 - Team 57, with Adil Khawaja's Car 44 – AK44 securing the third position.
John Bowden's Car No. 9 (Gumtree 4x4) maintained its dominance in the Unmodified Class for the fourth consecutive year, followed by Mark Tilbury's Car No. 35 (Hog Charge Team) and Nicholas Foley's Car 4 - 'Foley Charger'.
Additionally, the new Half-Charge category saw Car 17, Pumba Patrol by Rishi Chauhan, emerges as the overall winner, followed by Car 58 – Batuk 58 entered by Luke Symonds.