By Ken Muthomi - Reporter
Kenya, 3 May 2026 - Samburu County is set to host this year's edition of Rhino Charge, an off-road motorsport event that aims to boost conservation efforts in vital ecosystems across the country.
The announcement was made on Saturday, when Clerk of Course Don White briefed participants on key details of the competition, set to take place from 29 to 31 May 2026, with the main event scheduled for 30 May.
Since its inception 37 years ago, Rhino Charge, organised by the Rhino Ark Charitable Trust, has raised over KSh 2.7 billion, supporting the protection of ecosystems including the Aberdare Range, Mount Kenya, the Mau Forest Complex, and Kakamega Forest.
“Over the past year, we have invested considerable resources in the southern part of the Mau, a 158,000-hectare indigenous forest that forms critical catchments for the Mara, Sondu, and Ewaso Nyiro South rivers,” Rhino Ark Charitable Trust CEO Christian Lambrechts said.
As a longstanding tradition, the exact location will remain undisclosed to competitors until days before the event, with route notes expected to begin at Archers Post along the Isiolo–Samburu border.
Key activities will include vehicle scrutineering, the off-road challenge, and a prize-giving ceremony to close the event.
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The event has drawn a full entry list of 65 competition vehicles, with seven new entrants joining this year.
“I’m currently 18 years old, and this is my third year participating in the Rhino Charge. I started in 2024, and what motivated me to join is that it runs in my family—we have three generations of chargers. My passion for both conservation and competition inspired me to take part,” Tanav Choda, a participant of the Charge, said.
Organisers have also made improvements in result accuracy through enhanced GPS technology and a strengthened results management system.
Anyone planning to attend the event by air has been advised to ensure that they get a preauthorisation first and avoid parking their aircraft at the airstrips to enable safe operations during the event.