Kenyans in different communities are minting millions from wealthy adventurers travelling from an extreme off-road competition held in various parts of Kenya, the Rhino Charge event.
Hailed as the most extreme off-road challenge in the world, the Rhino Charge event involves teams across the globe battling it out for supremacy as they try to navigate the tough terrains before sunset. The ultimate winner claims the bragging rights.
Participants, including volunteers, are required to pay the community land access fee for entry.
This, according to the organisers, Rhino Ark, is aimed at aiding the marginalised communities. This year alone, the land access fee amounted to more than Ksh5 million for residents in the wild terrain of Baringo County which hosted the star-studded event.
The event presided over by Baringo Senator Gideon Moi came at a time when the effects of the global pandemic forced the rescheduling of the event with nearly a third of the usual entrants forced to pull out of the race.
Further, the event raised more than Ksh125 million) from the 44 teams that participated in the event.
The locals struck gold as they were hired by the visitors to help with setting up their camps and act as tour guides while others were hired directly by Rhino Ark to assist with camp and course logistics.
The locals also help with ensuring the land regenerated properly despite the intense offroading by the vehicles. This involved advance preparation, responsible stewardship during the event and studious inspection after the challenge.
Rhino Ark ensured all potential courses were surveyed before selection to ensure the land would not suffer a long-lasting impact. The organisers also revisit the land a year later to affirm that it has regenerated properly.
The Rhino Charge event was formulated in efforts to raise funds for conservation as well as aid the marginalised communities
The first event in 1989 saw the country raise over Ksh250,000- a figure that has significantly risen over the years to millions as the event gained traction.
