SAMBURU, Kenya –Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has praised the Rhino Charge competition as one of Kenya’s most successful conservation initiatives, saying it has become a powerful model of how adventure, environmental protection and community development can work together to safeguard the country’s natural heritage.
Speaking during the 37th Rhino Charge competition in Samburu County, Miano commended Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust, sponsors, volunteers and local communities for their continued commitment to conservation efforts that have transformed landscapes and improved livelihoods across the country.
Held between May 29 and May 31 under the theme “Adventure, Community, Conservation,” this year’s event attracted 65 competition vehicles, including seven first-time entrants, underscoring the growing popularity of the annual off-road fundraising challenge.
The Cabinet Secretary reflected on the humble beginnings of Rhino Charge, which was first held on February 4, 1989, bringing together just 31 vehicles and raising Sh250,000 to support the construction of the Aberdare Electric Fence aimed at protecting endangered black rhinos and reducing human-wildlife conflict.
“What began as a small fundraising effort has grown into one of Kenya’s most practical conservation platforms,” Miano said.
Over the last three decades, Rhino Charge participants and supporters have raised approximately Sh2.72 billion to fund Rhino Ark conservation projects across the country.
In addition, more than Sh88 million has been invested directly in host-community projects linked to the annual event.
According to Miano, the initiative has delivered tangible conservation outcomes, including the construction and maintenance of approximately 853 kilometres of electric fencing around some of Kenya’s most critical ecosystems.
These include 410 kilometres in the Aberdare ecosystem, 316 kilometres around Mt Kenya, 50 kilometres around Kakamega Forest, 43 kilometres around Eburu Forest and 32 kilometres in the South-Western Mau landscape.
“The results can be seen on the ground,” she said. “These are not abstract figures. They are crops saved, forests secured, rivers protected, wildlife conserved, and families given greater safety and dignity.”
The fencing programme has helped protect more than 90,000 households from destructive human-wildlife conflicts while also safeguarding forests from illegal logging, charcoal burning, poaching and land encroachment.
Miano further noted that conservation education programmes supported by Rhino Ark have reached 184 schools, while conservation interventions have enhanced protection of approximately 652,000 hectares of forests, water catchments and wildlife habitats.
She emphasized that conservation remains central to Kenya’s economic growth, climate resilience and tourism sector.
“When we protect forests and wildlife habitats, we protect water, food, livelihoods, tourism, biodiversity and Kenya’s future,” she said.
“Conservation is not a side issue. It is a national responsibility, an economic necessity, and a legacy we must safeguard for generations to come.”
The Cabinet Secretary said the success of Rhino Ark demonstrates the importance of partnerships involving government agencies, local communities, conservation organisations, development partners and the private sector.
She added that the organisation’s work aligns with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), Kenya Vision 2030 and the country’s commitments to climate action, biodiversity conservation and forest restoration.
“As a Ministry, we remain committed to strengthening partnerships that advance conservation and empower communities living alongside protected ecosystems,” she said.
“Communities are not simply stakeholders. They are custodians of our natural heritage.”
Miano also thanked Samburu County for hosting this year’s event and congratulated participants, sponsors and volunteers for supporting conservation through adventure sports.
“The greater victory is proving that adventure can serve conservation, competition can serve community, and love for the outdoors can protect forests, wildlife and people,” she said.
The Rhino Charge remains one of Kenya’s flagship conservation fundraising events, drawing support from environmentalists, corporate sponsors and outdoor enthusiasts committed to preserving the country’s forests, wildlife and water towers for future generations.
