Sports01 June 2026 - 20:10

Khawaja extends fundraising reign as Rhino Charge smashed Sh365 million record

Backed by Safaricom, Khawaja significantly eclipsed last year’s Sh139.8 million tally, having also mobilised Sh175 million in 2024 and Sh60 million in 2023.

by PHILIP OBOI

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Veteran driver and conservation stalwart Adil Khawaja has hailed his fourth straight top fundraiser title at the Rhino Charge as a triumph of collective commitment to environmental conservation after his Car No. 44 team raised a record Sh216 million during the 2026 edition held in Samburu County on Sunday.

‎‎“Retaining the title for a fourth consecutive year is an honour, not just for me, but for the entire team,” said Khawaja.

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‎“I am deeply grateful to everyone who rallied behind this cause. This achievement reflects the power of collective effort from people who believe in environmental conservation and in creating a lasting impact,” he added.

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‎Khawaja’s haul, the largest ever raised by a single team in the history of the event, propelled Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust to a record-breaking Sh365 million collection from this year’s Rhino Charge, the highest amount raised since the off-road conservation challenge was established.

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‎Backed by Safaricom, Khawaja significantly eclipsed last year’s Sh139.8 million tally, having also mobilised Sh175 million in 2024 and Sh60 million in 2023.

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‎Mark Glen (Car No. 48) emerged as the second-highest fundraiser after collecting Sh10.8 million, while Peter Kinyua (Car No. 23) placed third with Sh8.5 million.

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‎Martin Kinyanjui of Magnate Chargers (Car No. 62) finished fourth after raising Sh7.7 million, with Robin Tilbury (Car No. 35) rounding off the top five on Sh7 million.

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‎On the competitive front, Team Huzi (Car No. 33), spearheaded by Oliver Outram, successfully defended their Rhino Charge crown after conquering all 13 checkpoints across a gruelling 27-kilometre route in the super modified category.

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‎The Hatarious Chargers (Car No. 3), captained by Gurmeet Mehta, settled for second place after covering 30.4 kilometres, while Patrick Garner of Braeburn Seven Squared (Car No. 49) claimed third with a distance of 31.1 kilometres.

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‎Mark Glen (Car No. 48) and Khawaja completed the overall top five standings after clocking 31.9 kilometres and 32.2 kilometres respectively, with Khawaja also walking away with the coveted Victor Ludorum award.

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‎The funds raised will bolster Rhino Ark’s conservation initiatives, including the protection of Kenya’s critical mountain ecosystems, widely known as the nation’s water towers.

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‎In a further boost to community development, Rhino Ark presented a Sh9.1 million cheque to the Ngilai community to support local development projects.