All-women teams take on Rhino Charge challenge

 Zambarau team members at Torosei in Kajiado county ahead of Rhino Charge competition set for Saturday, June 1, 2024. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

All set for this year's 35th Rhino Charge competition as 54 participating cars undergo scrutineering in the final preparations for competition in the scenic landscape of Torosei in Kajiado West.

 The excitement is palpable as competitors gear up for the adrenaline-fueled event.

 The official inspection process began at 8:30 am and ended at 5:00 pm, in anticipation of the race tomorrow morning. The terrain is challenging, and competitors are bracing themselves for the tough conditions ahead.

 Three all-women teams in unmodified cars—Car 47 Girls in Pearls, Car 19 Bush Babes, and Car 50 Zambarau—are among the 54 participating. Other notable teams include Cars 5 and 6, the longest participants in the race.

 Car 6, Team Ole Choda, boasts a unique three-generation crew comprising a grandfather, son, and grandson, showcasing family succession in the sport. Team 63, Aussie Rules, an all-international team, celebrates ten years of participation and has excelled in fundraising, the core purpose behind the competition.

 At dawn tomorrow, the cars will race across the rugged terrain of Torosei, amidst the undulating hills of the lakes Magadi-Natron landscape. Each car is permitted a maximum of six people.

 The Rhino Charge annually raises funds for conservation activities implemented by Rhino Ark.

 In its 35-year history, Kajiado has hosted seven editions of the competition, including Suswa (1989), Magadi (1990), L'rogoswa (2004), Londuroj (2010), Nyokie (2013), Mosiro (2022), and this year in Torosei. Other host counties include Samburu, Narok, Baringo, Isiolo, Marsabit, and Laikipia.

 In the 2023 Rhino Charge, held in June in Nkoteyia, Samburu County a total of Sh173 million was raised.