Rhino Charge 2023 recently unfolded in Nkoteyia Community Conservancy in Samburu, Kenya, captivating motorsport enthusiasts and conservation advocates alike. This prestigious event, now in its 34th edition, showcased the incredible dedication of participants and sponsors, including Castor Vali, who have been supporting the event for the past nine years. Set in Samburu this year’s Rhino Charge was lauded as the toughest course to date in Kenya, which says something in an event that has the reputation as the toughest off-road motor event in the world!
What is Rhino Charge?
Rhino Charge is an annual off-road 4×4 competition that takes place in Kenya, challenging entrants to navigate through rough terrains and visit 13 designated points, known as guard posts, spread across approximately 100 km² within a limited timeframe of 10 hours. However, Rhino Charge is not just a thrilling motorsport event; it serves a vital purpose in raising funds for the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust. The trust works towards conserving and protecting Kenya’s mountain range ecosystems, promoting harmony between humans, wildlife, and their habitats. To date, Rhino Ark’s fences have led to a 97% reduction in human-wildlife conflict incidences.
Supporting Conservation and Community Development
In addition to the funds raised by the 52 teams of dedicated competitors for the Rhino Ark Charitable Trust, the proceeds from the vehicle entry fees are directed towards supporting the host community, which, this year, was Samburu. In previous years, these funds have been instrumental in building schools, dispensaries, and water tanks, as well as enhancing security measures, benefiting the local residents in numerous ways.
This year’s prize-giving event was attended by Kenyan President William Ruto. “Congratulations to the organisers. Your partnership in fencing off some of the assets around the water towers is something we are eternally grateful for. What you have done in Mount Kenya…what you are doing in the Aberdares…what you are about to start in Kakamega and shortly, we will be working with you in fencing the Mau so that we can preserve this asset for the current generation and the one to come.” President Ruto also pledged to establish an endowment fund to assist the work of Rhino Ark, where the government would match the organisation’s conservation endeavours.
Castor Vali’s Role in Ensuring Security and Success
Steve Grant, the Chief Executive Officer of Castor Vali, plays a pivotal role in the Rhino Charge Main Committee. As a member of the committee, Steve brings his invaluable expertise and resources to ensure the event meets the highest security standards. Castor Vali not only sponsors Steve’s involvement in the committee but also leverages their extensive experience in working in challenging environments to provide security advice, planning, and liaison with key stakeholders such as the police, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), and other private security partners.
This year saw Castor Vali expand their involvement to include Kevin Crawford, Castor Vali’s General Manager Kenya, who also attended the event and provided on-the-ground security support.
The Castor Vali team’s responsibilities encompass:
- Offering security advice and meticulously planning various aspects of the event.
- Coordinating with the police, KWS, and private security partners to ensure a safe environment for participants and spectators.
- Preparing a comprehensive security risk assessment that demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing potential challenges.
- Provisioning communication resources for efficient coordination and emergency response.
- Overseeing medical resources and swift response to any incidents that may occur during the event.
Rhino Charge 2023: A Resounding Success
This year’s Rhino Charge has once again surpassed all expectations, leaving a lasting impact on both conservation efforts and community development. Through the combined efforts of the participating teams and guard post sponsors, an impressive US$ 1.23m (KES 173 million) was raised for the Rhino Ark Charitable Trust. Furthermore, an additional sum of $US 50,000 (KES 7 million) was donated to benefit the Nkoteyia community.
Congratulations to all those involved in making Rhino Charge 2023 an unforgettable event. As always, it was an absolute pleasure for Castor Vali to be a part of this incredible journey that brings together the passion for motorsport and conservation.