It was a clean sweep for Trans Nzoia County this past weekend as Kitale-based media teams dominated the Safaricom 5-Aside Rift Valley Regional Tournament, held at the Kip Keino Arena in Eldoret.
In an all-Kitale final, Kitale Media Team A edged out Team B with a 2-1 victory, sealing their status as regional champions in a match that blended competitive spirit, community energy, and corporate engagement.
Goals from Mike Sikoyo and Zewede secured the win for Team A, while Marvin Khayemba netted a consolation goal for Team B in a tightly contested showdown that kept fans energized until the final whistle.
The tournament, part of Safaricom’s broader regional media engagement strategy, also doubled as a curtain-raiser for the M-PESA Sokoni Caravan Tour — a week-long customer activation campaign to mark 18 years of M-PESA’s impact in Kenya.
The winners walked away with KES 50,000, while the runners-up earned KES 30,000, along with various giveaways such as power banks, shopping vouchers, and branded merchandise.
To get to the final, both Kitale teams had to battle through tough semi-final fixtures:
- Team A defeated Eldoret-based Daily Sports 1-0,
- Team B edged out Hubz Media in penalties after a goalless draw in regular time.
“This was more than just a tournament. It was a reunion, a networking platform, and a celebration of our industry,” said Emmanuel Sabuni, captain of Daily Sports. “Some of us hadn’t met in years, and Safaricom gave us that opportunity to reconnect, compete and celebrate our craft.”
The tournament also marked the launch of the M-PESA Sokoni Caravan Tour in Turbo, a dynamic, on-the-ground activation aimed at bringing the M-PESA brand closer to customers as part of the M-PESA @18 celebrations.
The campaign includes interactive experiences, giveaways, and the popular game “M-PESA or the Box,” where customers stand to win:
- Cash prizes
- Shopping vouchers
- Electronics and gadgets
- Branded merchandise and surprise gifts
The caravan will crisscross several towns in the Rift Valley, creating touchpoints for both customer appreciation and grassroots engagement.
Safaricom’s regional activations are more than entertainment. They form part of a larger effort to strengthen community ties, support SMEs, and create inclusive economic opportunities.
Some of the additional initiatives under the M-PESA @18 umbrella include:
- Safire Connect – supporting business-minded customers with digital tools and resources
- Safaricom Hook – a youth-focused platform for mentorship and digital entrepreneurship
- Doto Zetu Phase 7 – a nationwide dream-building campaign funding community projects
- M-PESA Agents Awards – recognizing the performance and impact of agents across the country
These efforts underscore Safaricom’s broader commitment to empowering Kenyans through technology, partnerships, and financial inclusion, while maintaining relevance across all age and income groups.
With football as the backdrop and innovation at the core, the Safaricom 5-Aside Rift Valley Tournament showcased the power of community engagement, celebrating both local talent and national milestones.
As the M-PESA Sokoni Caravan rolls on, it brings with it a clear message: Kenya’s most trusted mobile money platform is not only celebrating 18 years of service but also recommitting to its role as a catalyst for connection, growth, and everyday transformation — from Turbo to Kitale and beyond.
