The 2021 Sabor Rhino Charge that ended on Sunday raised shs 140,432,208.
According to Chief Conservator of Forests Julius Kamau, the cash will go towards various forest and wildlife conservation projects.
The projects include electric fencing of critical forest ecosystems for the protection of natural resources and livelihoods to support communities living adjacent to them.
65 entrants managed to raise the cash.
The 32nd Rhino Charge event ended with a prize-giving ceremony graced by Tourism and Wildlife Principal Secretary Fred Segor, Baringo Governor Stanley Kiptis, Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, and the Chief Conservator of Forests Julius Kamau.
Car no. 23 team of 23, driven by KFS Board Chairman Peter Kinyua, raised the highest amount.
It stands as the 2nd highest fundraiser in Rhino Charge history which spans since 1989.
Adil Khawaja’s Car no. 44 and Magnet Chargers Car no.62 emerged second and third, respectively.
This year’s event also had a KFS sponsored guard post.
At the post, entrants benefited from learning more about forest conservation during the off-road charge and the point at which the sporting event was flagged off by Baringo Senator Gideon Moi on 17th July 2021.
Remarks made during the closing of the nerve-racking challenge (where chargers triumphed over challenging terrain and a swarm of bees which also became part of the spectacle experience) appreciated the return of the sport that offers adventure tied to the spirit of conservation of forest ecosystems.
The CCF said the sport is in line with the KFS mandate of forest conservation management and protection.
The funds raised will go to support the conservation of critical mountain forest resources mainly Mt. Kenya, Aberdare, and Mau Eburu inclusive.
These forests provide yearly ecological services to Kenya’s worth approximately Kenya shillings 412 Billion.
“We as KFS are thankful for being the direct beneficiaries of the 650km electric fence constructed so far, that is 400 kms Aberdare Forest Ecosystem fence, 43kms of Eburu forest fence, and approximately 200km of what will be 450km electric fence around the Mt Kenya Forest Ecosystems,” CCF Kamau said.
Kamau said the fence projects are an effective forest management approach serving not as barriers between forest adjacent communities and the forest’s resources but rather, an effective management tool that has established harmonious and peaceful coexistence between the communities and nature.
He added that over 80,000 families have benefitted from safety and protection against the dangers of human-wildlife conflict.
“The communities through the Participatory Forest Management Model are now as well benefiting from sustainable forest income-generating activities while staying safe from straying wildlife,” he said.
He lauded Baringo County for the contribution towards the national tree cover having a forest cover of 25 percent while also providing immense economic goods and services tied to the resources.
