All set for Rhino Charge scrutineering in Saimo-Soi

The rugged landscapes of Saimo-Soi in Baringo North are set to come alive this weekend as the 36th edition of Kenya’s legendary Rhino Charge kicks off with scrutineering on Friday, 30th May. A total of 64 vehicles, including a groundbreaking electric entry (Car No. 29), will undergo rigorous technical inspections to ensure compliance with the event’s strict safety and environmental standards.

This year marks the fifth time Baringo County hosts the iconic off-road competition, reinforcing its reputation as a hub for adventure tourism and conservation. Since its inception in 1989, the Rhino Charge has raised over KES 2.4 billion for critical environmental projects, including wildlife fencing, habitat restoration, and community livelihoods in Kenya’s most vulnerable ecosystems—such as the Aberdares, Mt. Kenya, Mau Forest, and Kakamega Forest.

Nestled in Baringo North’s dramatic terrain, Saimo-Soi was selected for its low human footprint, diverse habitats, and breathtaking landscapes—ideal for the Charge’s demanding off-road challenge. The area, part of Baringo’s vast wilderness, is home to Lake Baringo, the Tugen Hills, and the Kerio Valley, making it a prime location for conservation-driven tourism.

Hosting the event is more than just a motorsport spectacle—it’s a strategic opportunity for the region. Local workers have already been employed to set up infrastructure, injecting much-needed income into the remote community. Additionally, the Vehicle Community Donation—a Rhino Charge tradition—will fund long-term projects such as schools, boreholes, or health facilities, building on the KES 80 million already donated to past host communities in various counties.

This year’s event includes a historic milestone: the debut of an electric vehicle (Car No. 29), signaling the Charge’s commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability. The move aligns with global trends toward greener motorsports while maintaining the event’s core mission—fundraising for conservation.

In 2024 alone, the Rhino Charge raised KES 325 million, setting a high bar for this year’s competitors. The event allows a maximum of 65 entries, making it one of the world’s most exclusive—and impactful—off-road fundraisers.

Event Schedule & Community Impact

• Friday, 30th May: Scrutineering – Vehicles undergo technical checks to ensure compliance with competition rules.
• Saturday, 31st May: Main Competition – Drivers navigate a grueling off-road course, testing skill and endurance.
• Sunday, 1st June: Prize-Giving Ceremony – Winners are crowned, and community contributions are celebrated.

Beyond the adrenaline, the Rhino Charge is a catalyst for change in Baringo. The county government has played a key role in mobilizing security, medical support, and logistics while ensuring local enterprises and youth benefit from the event’s economic ripple effects.

The 2025 Rhino Charge presents a golden opportunity to:

• Showcase Baringo County as a premier eco-tourism and adventure destination.
• Attract investors in eco-lodges, conservancies, and sustainable ventures.
• Amplify conservation success stories, positioning the county as a leader in community-driven environmental protection.

As scrutineering begins tomorrow, all eyes are on Saimo-Soi—not just for the thrill of competition, but for the lasting legacy it will leave on Baringo’s people, wildlife, and wild spaces.

For updates, details, and how to support the cause, visit: www.rhinocharge.co.ke

#RhinoCharge2025 | #ConserveKenya | #WhereAdventureMeetsConservation