Safaricom has committed Ksh2 million through M-PESA to support connectivity and digital services at Nyayo National Stadium for the upcoming 2026 Safari 7s tournament.
The company announced the sponsorship in Nairobi on 7 Oct 2026 ahead of the tournament running from 9 to 11 Oct 2026.
“We wish Shujaa and the Lionesses success as they defend their titles,” said Safaricom chief executive Peter Ndegwa.
The sponsorship matters to Kenya’s business sector because it brings mobile payments and connectivity services to fans and businesses at a national sporting event.
Safaricom said it would increase network capacity at the stadium to help spectators follow matches and share content during the three-day competition.
The company said dedicated connectivity would also support the tournament’s live broadcast.
Beyond network services, Safaricom said it would provide access to ticketing and streaming bundles through My OneApp during the event.
Fans will be able to access matchday tickets through the Tikohub MiniApp within My OneApp according to the company.
Safaricom said visitors would also be able to use M-PESA GlobalPay as a payment option during the tournament.
The announcement places the company’s payment and digital services alongside its sports sponsorship rather than limiting its involvement to financial support.
Safaricom said the latest commitment builds on its two-year partnership with the Kenya Rugby Union valued at more than Ksh100 million.
That partnership supports the national sevens teams Shujaa and Kenya Lionesses through M-PESA according to the company.
Safaricom said the arrangement provides monthly allowances for players and officials alongside medical insurance, airtime allowances and financial literacy programmes.
Kenya Rugby Union chairperson Harriet Okach said the connectivity investment would help fans follow the tournament and welcomed the continued support for women’s rugby.
“We look forward to delivering an exciting Safari 7s,” said Okach.
The sponsorship also gives Safaricom another setting to present services from a payments business that contributes substantially to its reported revenue.
In its background information, Safaricom said M-PESA generated more than Ksh182.7 billion in revenue for the financial year ending in March 2026.
The company said its annual revenue stood at Ksh400 billion as at March 2026.
Safaricom said M-PESA serves 41 million customers who use their phones to transact, save or borrow money.
The company said the 28th Safari 7s would feature 18 teams across the men’s and women’s competitions.
Kenya Shujaa and Kenya Morans will join international and invitational sides in the men’s competition according to the release.
The women’s competition will feature Kenya Lionesses, Kenya Cubs, Shibli and teams from Uganda, Tunisia and Spain.
Defending champions Shujaa and Kenya Lionesses return to Nyayo National Stadium when the tournament opens on 9 Oct 2026.
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