• MOTORSPORTS

• Frank Rotich 4 days ago

Boost for 2026 Rhino Charge as KCB pumps in Sh7 million

KCB Bank Kenya and the KCB Foundation have injected Sh7 million towards the 2026 Rhino Charge competition set for May 30 in Samburu County.

The sponsorship is aimed at supporting environmental conservation and promoting innovation in electric mobility during the 37th edition of the annual motorsport event.

Out of the sponsorship, Sh5 million will support Car No. 44, while another Sh2 million through the KCB Foundation will go towards the EV Explorers team, which is promoting the use of electric vehicles in motorsport.

Speaking during the sponsorship announcement, KCB Group Director of Marketing and Communications Rosalind Gichuru said the Rhino Charge remains important in protecting Kenya’s water towers and ecosystems.

She noted that the sponsorship is in line with the bank’s sustainability goals and commitment to climate action.

This year’s Rhino Charge is expected to attract 55 teams, including defending champions Team Huzi and the all-women Team Zambarau, which has continued to encourage more women to take part in motorsport and conservation activities.

The EV Explorers team is also looking to improve the performance of its electric vehicle ahead of the competition through innovation and technology.

As part of the initiative, the team has launched the EV Explorers Innovation Challenge targeting two female TVET engineering students in Kenya.

The selected students will receive sponsorship for the remainder of their studies and a three-month paid industrial attachment at Foley’s Garage to gain practical skills in electric vehicle development and maintenance.

Team AK 44 driver Adil Khawaja welcomed the support, saying partnerships with companies such as KCB help strengthen conservation efforts and inspire more young people, especially women, to pursue careers in engineering and electric mobility.

Last year’s Rhino Charge held in Baringo County raised Sh269.5 million for the conservation of Kenya’s water towers. Team AK 44 emerged as the top fundraiser for the third straight year after raising Sh139.8 million.