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The Nairobian

Re-live 2019 Rhino Charge [Photos]

Sports

By Robert Abong'o | Jun 03, 2019

More than sh150 million was raised at the Rhino Charge during the weekend in Oldonyiro Ward, Isiolo County.

The 2019 Rhino Charge, the 31st edition since it’s inception 30 years ago saw 57 teams battle it out under the scorching sun to raise funds as well as awareness on the importance of environmental conservation in the dusty and rocky terrain of Isiolo’s Nannapa Conservancy.

Mark Glen (Team 48) driving a Range Rover modified was the ‘charger’ who came out on top following completion of all 13 sectors with zero road violations and penalties – covering a total distance of 30.187 kilometres.

**Team 48, driving a Range Rover modified was the ‘charger’ came out on top following completion of all 13 sectors with zero road violations and penalties [GameYetu]**

Jeremy Holley of team Huzi and Anthony Havelock of team 42 finished second and third having completed the whole course in 30.36 and 31.8 kilometres respectively.

Safari Rally legend Ian Duncan, who had car no 2 finished a distant 11th after ending the day having reached all sectors but averaging a distance of 33.5 kilometres.

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**The cars navigated through the tough dusty and rocky terrain [GameYetu]**

What’s important to note is even though the Rhino Charge is a test of skills in motorsport, it’s core decree is to help sort out the challenges currently witnessed in Kenya’s mountain forests.

**The cars were modified to adjust to the changing nature of the terrain [GameYetu]**

All the drivers (chargers), through the vehicles, contribute some amount of money which will help the surrounding community i.e set the ball rolling for job creation as well as creating solutions to the ecosystem’s problems.

**Spectators watch on as a Charger moves downhill [GameYetu]**

Ex-charger and now Clerk of the Course Don White spoke to Game Yetu about what it means to participate in this type of event:

“If you are involved, it’s the best day of your year. From the day you do it to the next, you’ll sit there wondering about the next. Today was an extraordinary experience. I want to help more people experience the Rhino Charge,” he explained.

**Cars came in all shapes and sizes [GameYetu]**

“The Rhino Charge is primarily a fundraising event for the conservation of Kenya’s prime mountain forests and key sources of water. Its overall mission is to work with leading Government agencies and other partners to secure these resources for the future of this nation and the well-being of the people of Kenya” he added.

Last year, only five cars completed the whole course.

Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya graced the prize-giving event on Sunday, June 2 and outlined he had pushed to have sh100 million allocated to the fencing of Kakamega forest.

**The event was graced by Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, who promised to deliver Sh100 million to finance the fencing of Kakamega Forest [GameYetu]**

Established in 1989, the Rhino Ark, a charitable trust foundation that houses the Rhino Charge competition, is aimed at bringing solutions to the challenges recurrently facing the mountain forest ecosystems in Kenya.

The highest fundraiser was Chairman of the Kenya Forest Service Peter Kinyua in Car 23, who raised Sh19 million. In second was Adil Khawaja (Team AK44) in Car 44 with Sh17 million, with Stanley Kinyanjui (Team Magnate Chargers) in Car 62 raising Sh 15 million.

**Kenya Forest Service Chair Peter Kinyua's car no 23 [GameYetu]**

The ark’s conservation programme focuses mainly on the protection of Kenya’s mountain forests, while also educating locals on methods of environmental conservation.

It also aims to secure the synergy between endangered wildlife habitats and the mountain forests as well as establishing a bonafide and sustainable funding mechanism for conservation.

**The event was staged in Isiolo's Nannapa Conservancy [GameYetu]**

Working closely with government agencies, Rhino Ark advocates for the protection of endangered wildlife habitats and the conservation of forests with the use of science to assess possible effects and derive several conservation solutions.

The money raised during this event will go towards fencing Mount Kenya Kakamega Forest. It will also be used to upgrade the Aberdare fence.