The money raised through Rhino Charge event will go towards fencing several game parks and forests. The government’s efforts to conserve the environment and mitigate the effects of climate change received a boost as conservationists raised Sh325 million in the 2024 Rhino Charge. The Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Soipan Tuya, who presided over the prize giving ceremony of the event, said it represents diverse actions towards environmental conservation and climate mitigation.

“Climate change is hurting wildlife and the environment. We must come together to mitigate climate change and protect our ecosystems,” she said. She noted that the government has prioritized the protection of all ecosystems across the country. “We will keep on fencing the ecosystems, but we must also protect the environment and the wildlife within them,” she said.

Ms. Tuya mentioned that the government is committed to planting 15 billion trees by 2023. “We have moved from planting trees in ceremonies to nurturing them. Each Cabinet Secretary now has areas in two counties where they must plant and nurture trees,” she said. The initial goal of Rhino Charge was to protect the black rhino, a highly endangered animal targeted by poachers.Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku said the Torosei community was happy to host the event. Some Sh8 million was raised for the community by the event, and Ms. Tuya announced a Sh2 million donation from President William Ruto, making a total of Sh10 million.

The community proposed the funds be used to build Torosei Secondary School, which has 300 pupils. “The future of wildlife conservation is to involve the community. I want to assure the Chargers that their contribution will support conservation. We are happy to work with you to create a sustainable environment,” he said. Mr. Alex Lemarkoko, the Kenya Forest Service chief conservator, said the event fosters the conservation of our natural ecosystems. “Eburu Forest was seriously degraded, but now 40 percent is fully renovated. We will continue working together with Rhino Charge to ensure that we protect our environment,” he said.

Kenya Wildlife Service Director General Erustus Kanga said proceeds from the Rhino Charge have been used to protect Aberdare, Mt Kenya, Eburu Mau, and Kakamega forests. A key action across these ecosystems has been the construction of game-proof electric fences to protect forest adjacent communities from the threats of human-wildlife conflict. These actions have assisted in conserving and managing wildlife-protected areas in the water towers. This is at the core of the country’s environmental conservation agenda, including the government action plan to tackle climate change.

“The ecosystems are now fenced and well protected for the benefit of the wildlife and environment,” he said. Christian Lambrechts, the Executive Director of Rhino Ark, said Rhino Charge is committed to protecting the environment and wildlife.

He noted that the Sh325 million raised surpassed all previous years and would be used for the intended purpose. Since 1989, Sh2.1 billion has been raised towards conservation efforts. KYEB is mandated to tell the government’s story and document other initiatives that help to promote national development. The institution was at the event to highlight efforts to conserve the environment, protect wildlife, and mitigate climate change.