For the first time in its 36-year history, the legendary Rhino Charge has introduced an electric car, and it’s already making noise by staying silent.
Car No. 29, a sleek and silent powerhouse powered entirely by electricity, has rolled into the rugged wilds of Saimo-Soi, Baringo North, setting a bold new precedent for Kenya’s most extreme motorsport and conservation fundraiser.
As scrutineering kicks off this Friday, May 30th, the future of off-road racing is here, and it hums instead of roars.
For decades, the Rhino Charge has been synonymous with grit, grease and gut-wrenching terrain, a brutal test of man, machine and the raw Kenyan wilderness.
But this year, the headline isn’t just about which driver can conquer the rocks, ravines and riverbeds the fastest. It’s about innovation. Sustainability. And a quiet revolution on wheels.
Car No. 29 is more than just a technical marvel; it’s a statement. A sign that even the toughest motorsport event on the continent is ready to embrace a greener, cleaner future.
In a race traditionally dominated by diesel-churning behemoths, this electric entrant is rewriting the rules and inspiring a new era of eco-conscious competition.
Hosted in the breathtaking and untamed landscapes of Baringo North, this marks the fifth time the county has welcomed the Rhino Charge, but never like this.
The 2025 edition promises adrenaline, action and a radical rethink of what off-road endurance means in a climate-conscious world.
A total of 64 vehicles have been registered for this year’s event, each undergoing rigorous scrutineering to meet the Charge’s uncompromising safety and environmental standards.
But all eyes are on Car No. 29, the first to challenge the terrain not with horsepower, but with innovation.
Since its inception in 1989, the Rhino Charge has raised over Ksh 2.4 billion for conservation, funding critical projects such as electric fencing, community-driven ecosystem restoration and habitat protection across Kenya’s most fragile landscapes, from the Aberdares to the Mau Forest.
In 2024 alone, the event pulled in a record Ksh 325 million, proving that the passion to protect the planet can drive real, tangible change.
But Rhino Charge has always been more than a race. It’s a lifeline for its host communities.
In Saimo-Soi, hundreds of local residents have already benefited through jobs and infrastructure setup, while long-term community projects like schools, boreholes and health facilities are being planned through the Vehicle Community Donation program.
So far, over Ksh 80 million has been injected into past host communities, and that number is only growing.
Behind the scenes, the Baringo County Government is in full throttle mode, ensuring security, medical support, and logistics are in place for the thousands expected to descend on the remote venue.
With support from the Ministry of Tourism and leading conservation partners, this year’s Rhino Charge is shaping up to be one of the most transformative editions yet.
Event Highlights:
- Friday, May 30th – Scrutineering Day: Technical inspections and vehicle clearance
- Saturday, May 31st – The Main Competition: 10 hours of raw off-road endurance
- Sunday, June 1st – Prize-Giving Ceremony and community celebration
Whether Car No. 29 finishes first or not, it’s already carved its place in history.
