Photos of the modified Rivian R1T modified truck went viral online and attracted attention both locally and internationally on Monday, April 3.
The truck elicited debate, with a section of Kenyans online claiming that the photos had been edited. But Rivian Updates, a social media platform, dispelled the reports indicating that the truck was functional in Maasai Mara.
"Rivian's efforts to support the conversation of wildlife in Kenya with an electric vehicle future is amazing," Rivian Updates stated.
The car was shipped into the country following a pilot project between the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust (MWCT) and Rivian, the electric truck maker.
"We’re hugely excited by this collaboration with Rivian given their intense focus on addressing our planet’s climate crisis and preserving critical biodiversity," the Trust stated after sealing the deal.
Features of the Truck
The modification allows the R1T truck to fit into Kenya's safari expedition with a canopy like other safari vehicles like Land Cruisers.
It has four rows of seats with a passenger capacity of eight allowing them to see all directions while on board.
The converted truck does not startle animals as the engine is electric powered, making it less noisy even on rough terrain.
Rivian R1T is fitted with quad motor four-wheel drive making it to skedaddle to safety in bumpy areas.
Its ground clearance, suspension and traction are also modified to fit the demands of travellers in Maasai Mara.
According to car enthusiasts, the Rivian Truck also possesses 350 litres in the lockable gear tunnel, complete with a 200-litre sealed bin beneath the rear bed floor.
Besides sightseeing, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust uses the R1T trucks for running anti-poaching operations in Mara.
The trucks also ferry firefighters, rangers, health and education experts in the region.
In 2022, four Rivian trucks with each costing north of Ksh7.8 million, were photographed along Mombasa Mombasa on a haulier truck.
They were deployed in the Mara to help conserve the environment.
