#RhinoCharge2024 raised 325 million Kenya Shillings

(Posted 03rd June 2024)

Dear ATCNews Readers, Chargers, Officials, Sponsors, and Friends of Rhino Ark,

We are thrilled to announce the remarkable success of this year’s Rhino Charge, which took place on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at the picturesque Torosei in Kajiado County. An astounding KES 325 million was raised for conservation efforts.

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, we were delighted to welcome 54 out of a potential 65 competitors, an increase from last year’s 52, showcasing growing participation and support.

On Sunday morning, we held a vibrant prize-giving ceremony at the Charge venue, graced by Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, representing President William Ruto. Secretary 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.

Underlining the government’s commitment to conservation, Cabinet Secretary 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, Kenya’s UNEP Permanent Representative nominee Amb. Gertrude Angote, KFS Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko, KWS Director General Dr. Erustus Kanga, and Elijah Muli from the Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board, among others.

Rhino Ark Executive Director Christian Lambrechts expressed gratitude for the increasing involvement of private companies, such as Safaricom which has contributed KES 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 KES 8.4 million for hosting the event, along with an additional donation of KES 2 million from President Ruto through Secretary 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 KES 175,100,595, surpassing his previous record. Peter Kinyua and his car, No. 23, secured the second position, followed by Car 62, entered by Stanley Kinyanjui.

Looking ahead, Mr. 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, 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 4×4) 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.

In the Tiger Line 1 category, Car 22 – Smiling Shenzis – entered by Gray Cullen claimed the top spot, with Car No. 5 (Team 5) driven by Graham McKittrick securing second place, and Car No. 33 by Jeremy Holley (Team Huzi) coming in third.

For Tiger Line 2, Mark Glen’s Car 48 – Team 48 secured the top position, followed by Asit Patel with Car No. 26 in second place, and Car 6 – Team Ole Choda entered by Manee Choda in third.

The Gauntlet award recognized Ravi Patel’s Car 11 – Frying Squad as the winner, followed by Jaspal Matharu’s Car 24 – Fat Rhinos in second place and Sean Avery’s Car 38 – Bundi Fundi in third.

Finally, in the overall Super Modified Class, Team 5 entered by Graham McKittrick in Car No. 5 claimed the top spot, followed by Sean Avery’s Bundi Fundi (Car 38) and Car 33 aka Team Huzi entered by Jeremy Holley.

For detailed results of the 2024 Rhino Charge, please visit https://rhinocharge.or.ke/results/2024-rhino-charge-results/.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this year’s Rhino Charge a tremendous success. Together, we are making a significant impact on Kenya’s conservation efforts.

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