Team AK44’s Adil Khawaja tops the fundraising in Rhino Charge 2025, an off-road racing event renowned for raising critical funds in securing Kenya’s threatened water towers.
Sponsored by Safaricom, Khawaja’s team set a record of KES 139.8 million and added to the 2025 event’s total amount of KES 269.5 million raised toward saving the environment.
The second-biggest team to mobilize funds was Car No. 23 led by Peter Kinyua with KES 13.5 million. Coming in third were Tim Carstens and Car No. 63 with KES 8.6 million.
“I want to thank all our sponsors, from corporates like Safaricom to the many individuals who supported my team and me in raising funds for this noble cause of environmental protection. We couldn’t have done it without your support,” said Adil Khawaja, Team Lead , AK44.
“While we didn’t hit our mark, we’re proud of what we achieved. We’re even more motivated to reach our goal next year. Overall, this year’s challenge was one of the best, featuring tough terrain and stunning landscapes.”
This year’s Rhino Charge took place in Saimo-Soi, Baringo County, and involved 64 vehicles. The drivers traversed difficult, off-road courses in an exciting motorsport event aimed at raising funds for the conservation of Kenya’s vital water towers. The 2025 event collected a record KES 269.5 million towards the initiative.
In performance, Team Huzi (Car No. 33), captioned by Jeremy Holley, topped the list as they were able to touch all 13 checkpoints along the tough 27.3 km course.
Coming in second was The Smiling Shenzis (Car No. 22), and overall winner of 2023 Team 48 Glen (Car No. 48), captioned by Mark Glen.
“As a team, we’re really proud to have won this year’s title. It’s our first time finishing at the top in the 15 years we’ve participated. Last year we came in third, and this year we were determined to do better. This event is very important to us, and we remain committed to supporting its purpose,” said Jeremy Holley.
Safaricom too participated extensively in the event, contributing KES 25.8 million through Car No. 44 and EV Explorers, the first time in history when an electric car was used in the race. Safaricom also fueled the event with 5G and had a very interesting “Emerald Experience” during the event.
Supporters were given an evening of nostalgia, capped with the experience of a lifetime: witnessing the UEFA Champions League Final in person in the middle of nowhere.
