Delivering Trusted Security for Kenya’s Toughest Off-Road Challenge
Last weekend marked the 36th edition of the Rhino Charge in Kenya and Castor Vali’s ninth year as the main sponsor responsible for managing the event’s safety and security. Rhino Charge is a high-adrenaline motorsport challenge, as 65 customised cars compete to reach 13 checkpoints spread across approximately 100 km² of rugged terrain within a 10-hour window. The winner is the competitor who reaches the most checkpoints in the shortest distance.
Operating in a Complex Security Environment
This year’s event was held in Saimo Soi, Baringo County, a region experiencing recent security challenges. The Castor Vali team, led by our CEO Steve Grant (who also serves as Deputy Clerk of the Course and a member of the main Rhino Charge committee) and Kevin Crawford, Country Manager Kenya, faced unique risks requiring heightened protection measures.
Security Risk Assessment and Planning
Castor Vali’s Security Information Service (SIS) began preparations with a comprehensive Security Risk Assessment of the operating environment in Baringo County. The report covered:
- A national-level threat summary addressing terrorism, intercommunal violence, crime, and civil unrest across Kenya.
- A detailed regional overview of Baringo, including administrative structures, geographic terrain, key access routes, and local facilities.
- A focused event-level threat analysis highlighting risks such as livestock theft, road traffic accidents, opportunistic crime, civil unrest, and medical considerations.
- Mitigation guidance and planning recommendations to support the safe execution of the event in a high-risk area.
This Security Risk Assessment formed the basis for Castor Vali’s operational planning and multi-agency coordination, ensuring Rhino Charge 2025 could proceed safely despite the region’s inherent challenges.
Coordinating a Multi-Agency Security Team
Following the assessment, Castor Vali’s Corporate Security Team in Kenya developed a comprehensive Security Plan. It coordinated a multi-agency response involving ground security personnel, local law enforcement, and trained volunteers. Key mitigation measures included community engagement, on-site security planning, and the deployment of four armoured personnel carriers to ensure readiness and rapid response.
A Complex but Successful Operation
Reflecting on the event, Steve Grant commented, “In our nine years of supporting the Charge, this was among the most complex locations we’ve worked in from a security perspective. It was a great opportunity to draw on expertise from across the Castor Vali team. Thanks to Rhino Ark for the continued opportunity and support, as well as to all the security agencies we collaborated with. We were delighted that the event in this beautiful but challenging location went off without a hitch – we were in our element!”
Supporting Conservation Through Security Leadership
Rhino Charge is more than a motorsport event; it raises vital funds for the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust, supporting the conservation of Kenya’s mountain ecosystems, wildlife, and communities. This year’s Charge raised an impressive KSh 269.5 million (US$2.08 million).
Congratulations to all participants and everyone involved in the successful delivery of this year’s event. Castor Vali is proud to continue playing a critical role in safeguarding one of Kenya’s most iconic conservation fundraisers.
Need Expert Security Support for Your Event?
If you’re planning a high-profile or logistically complex event and require trusted, intelligence-led security support, get in touch with us at info@castorvali.com. Our experienced teams operate across Africa and globally to ensure events run safely, securely, and without disruption.
