By KPC Reporter
Final preparations are underway in Samburu County for the 2026 Rhino Charge competition, with organizers transforming the remote Ngilai Conservancy into a temporary operational camp.
The camp will host approximately 4,000 participants, spectators, sponsors and support crews this weekend.
The 37th edition of the off-road motorsport fundraiser, set against the Mathews Range backdrop, will occur on Saturday, May 30, with organizers promising enhanced spectator experiences, stricter environmental safeguards and greater international participation.
Advance teams have established medical facilities, security posts, water and sanitation systems, emergency response services, camping zones and command centers as part of preparations for the annual event, which raises funds for conservation projects led by Rhino Ark.
Organizers indicated strict vehicle controls, emergency protocols and wildlife safety measures are being enforced to protect both visitors and the fragile ecosystem surrounding the conservancy.
The event has introduced improved viewing areas, clearer signage and real-time competition updates through a mobile application to enhance the spectator experience.
Environmental conservation remains central to the competition, with organizers enforcing waste sorting, recycling and responsible camping practices while also offsetting the event’s carbon footprint through the purchase of carbon credits.
This year’s edition has attracted international attention, with teams from Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States expected to compete alongside Kenyan entrants. Organizers noted the event will feature three all-female teams for the first time in Rhino Charge history.
Samburu Governor Jonathan Lati Lelelit expressed honor at hosting the event for the seventh time.
“On behalf of the people of Samburu County, we warmly welcome the Rhino Charge family back to our vast rangelands, ancient acacia woodlands, and breathtaking landscapes beneath the Mathews Range,” he stated.
“It is a privilege to host this extraordinary event for the seventh time. With every return, our bond grows stronger.”
The governor mentioned the event continues to generate economic benefits for local communities through campsite fees, employment opportunities and tourism exposure.
He added the event occurs at a significant moment after the United Nations designated 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.
“As the world marks 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, there could be no better setting to demonstrate how healthy rangelands, resilient pastoralist communities, and conservation can thrive together,” Lelelit said. “Samburu is living proof that indigenous knowledge, sustainable land stewardship, and wildlife conservation are mutually reinforcing.”
He further encouraged visitors to explore Samburu’s wildlife and cultural attractions beyond the competition itself.
“We encourage visitors not only to experience the excitement of Rhino Charge, but also to discover our iconic ‘Special Five’ wildlife, rich cultural heritage, dramatic landscapes, and unique safari experiences,” he said.
“This event reinforces Samburu’s standing as a premier destination for sustainable adventure tourism.”
The Rhino Charge competition will begin with vehicle scrutineering on Friday before the main contest on Saturday and a prize-giving ceremony on Sunday.