Eldoret team sweeps top awards in Jumbo Charge
Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago, who is also the chairman of Noreb, receives the triumphant team “Cash Cash” in Eldoret on October 23, 2016. PHOTO | COPPERFIELD LAGAT |
What you need to know:
- Off-road competition gaining traction as Mandago pledges further support
- The event is hosted in Mt Elgon each year to help save elephants.
Team “Cash Cash” raked in all three trophies at this year’s Mount Elgon Jumbo Charge in Bungoma County as Uasin Gishu County dominated the annual conservancy off-road competition.
The event is hosted in Mt Elgon each year to help save elephants.
Driving an old Range Rover model, the Cash Cash pair of Hudson Khasiani “Alfayo”, navigated by Samora Machel, were first to reach the mountain’s peak after conquering the challenging hilly, rocky and muddy course.
Last year’s charge had to be called off due to torrential rains that rendered the course unnavigable. The competition is the one of two major off-road charges held in the North Rift region, the other being the Rimoi Game Reserve charge in Elgeyo-Marakwet.
Rimoi has been nicknamed the “Maternity of Elephants” as it boasts of being home to the largest herd of elephants in Kenya. Eight counties in the North Rift region have formed the North Rift Economic Bloc (Noreb), a strategic business partnership that seeks to cash in on tourism and sports to grow revenue in the region.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago, who is also the chairman of Noreb, received the triumphant team “Cash Cash” in Eldoret on Sunday.
“When I heard that it was a campaign to save our elephants, I has to create time for the team because it was an important as building our nation,” Mandago said during an evening party for the off-roaders.
“Elephants are our national heritage and as the chairman of this region, we give our full support to such campaigns that help to conserve wildlife,” added Mandago.
“This is a new sport in our region and it’s already proving great for our tourism. As a region, we want to organise and fund more challenges as it also helps to conserve and market our tourism.”
Eight teams from Nairobi, Kisumu and Narok competed in the off-road challenge which is a combination of vehicle endurance and driver skills.
The sport that is fast gaining traction in North Rift region famed for producing world class runners where rugby, football and basketball are the other popular sports.
The next Jumbo Charge will be held in Uasin Gishu’s Moiben sub-county where the Sergoit Game Reserve is located.
