Women are increasingly taking up the challenge in Kenya’s off-road motorsport scene, stepping into a sport long dominated by men and proving their strength in some of the country’s toughest terrains.
An all-women team known as Zambarau is among those leading the way, as they prepare to compete in this year’s premier off-road conservation-based motorsport event set for the rugged landscapes of Samburu county.
Despite the harsh terrain and demanding conditions, the team says it is ready for the challenge.
“We are ready to hit the ground running,” team leader Agnes Mwangi said.
She said the team is driven not only by competition but also by a shared passion for environmental conservation and protecting Kenya’s natural ecosystems.
Last year, Team Zambarau donated Sh1.13 million to the Rhino Ark Trust, contributing to a larger Sh269.5 million kitty raised to support conservation efforts across the country.
The team also participated in the 2025 Rhino Charge held in Saimo-Soi, Baringo county, where they completed nine out of 13 checkpoints, while navigating 38.3km of rough and challenging terrain.
Mwangi said the experience strengthened their confidence and prepared them for even tougher competition ahead.
The Rhino Charge is one of Kenya’s most unique motorsport events. It brings together off-road enthusiasts who use 4×4 vehicles to locate 13 hidden checkpoints spread across about 100 square kilometres of difficult terrain in 10 hours.
Unlike normal races, the winner is not the fastest team but the one that covers the shortest distance while reaching all checkpoints. The competition tests navigation skills, endurance, teamwork and vehicle engineering.
Organisers say the event continues to grow each year, with more young competitors joining and a rising number of women teams taking part.
Rhino Charge clerk of the course Don White said the event is also seeing more first-time entrants and multi-generational teams, reflecting a strong culture of continuity and growing interest in conservation.
He added that diversity in the competition has improved, with more all-women teams now joining the challenging race.
Since its inception in 1989, the Rhino Charge has raised more than Sh2.7 billion for conservation projects across Kenya. The funds have supported the protection of key ecosystems, including the Mau Forest Complex, Aberdare Range, Mount Kenya and Kakamega Forest.
The money has also helped construct more than 850km of electric fencing to reduce human-wildlife conflict and protect wildlife habitats.
Rhino Ark executive director Christian Lambrechts said the funds also support community development projects, such as schools, water systems and other local infrastructure in areas where the event is hosted.
He said Samburu county will offer a new and exciting backdrop for the 2026 edition of the competition, combining cultural richness with some of Kenya’s most challenging terrain.
