Safaricom PLC has launched the Greater Western edition of the M-PESA Sokoni Festival, marking a major milestone in the telco’s nationwide celebration of 18 years of M-PESA’s transformative impact on Kenya’s digital economy and financial inclusion.
The vibrant regional programme, rolled out across key counties in Western Kenya, blends entrepreneurship forums, financial literacy, and cultural festivities — all culminating in a major community celebration at Mambo Leo Stadium in Kisumu on August 2nd.
“Since its inception, M-PESA has transformed how millions of Kenyans access, move, grow, and protect their money,” said Dr. Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom PLC. “Through the Sokoni Festival, we are honouring our customers by walking beside them, listening, and offering real tools that make life and business easier.”
The week-long festival (July 29 – August 2, 2025) features strategic activations targeting youth, women, MSMEs, and service providers across Siaya, Kisumu, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, and Vihiga counties:
1. Youth Empowerment Forums
- Safaricom Hook Circle: Held on July 29 at Siaya National Polytechnic, this forum trains youth in vocational skills including plumbing, electronics, hospitality, and fashion/beauty.
- Safire Connect Forum: Concurrently in Kisumu, youth benefit from hands-on digital and financial literacy training tailored to the evolving tech economy.
2. Women in Business – Wezesha Mama Initiative
- On July 30, Safaricom convenes women’s groups from the region to share entrepreneurship experiences, access digital business tools, and network for community-led economic empowerment.
3. Bodaboda Sector Engagement
- Special forums for bodaboda operators will offer training in:
- First aid and road safety
- M-PESA and digital tools for trade
- Access to financial services
4. MSMEs & Technology Forum
- The Grow with Safaricom Business Forum will bring together micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to explore how technology can streamline operations, improve customer service, and enable access to financing.
5. M-PESA Agent Recognition
- On July 31, top-performing M-PESA agents will be honoured at the Regional M-PESA Agent Awards, in recognition of their role in extending financial inclusion to remote and underserved communities.
The festival wraps up with a day-long celebration on August 2, 2025, at Mambo Leo Stadium in Kisumu.
- Daytime Event: “Deals by Day” – a bazaar-style market showcasing local innovators, SMEs, and M-PESA-powered businesses.
- Evening Event: “18 & Over” – a free concert open to adults, featuring top Kenyan artists, DJs, and performances that reflect Kenya’s vibrant youth and music culture.
This regional edition underscores Safaricom’s Vision to build inclusive prosperity by bringing digital, financial, and social tools closer to the people. Western Kenya, home to a high population of youth, entrepreneurs, and mobile-first businesses, represents a key region in Safaricom’s roadmap for inclusive digitization.
The M-PESA Sokoni Festival, which began earlier in 2025, has already made stops in Coast, Central, and Rift Valley regions. The initiative is designed not just to celebrate M-PESA’s legacy, but to extend its ecosystem through real-time customer engagement, education, and activation of new services.
“The festival is about meeting people where they are. Whether it’s a young woman in Busia trying to start a salon, or a boda rider in Kakamega looking for safer ways to operate — we want to show how M-PESA and Safaricom products can change lives,” said a senior Safaricom representative involved in the Western rollout.
Fast Facts – M-PESA Sokoni Festival, Greater Western Edition
- Duration: July 29 – August 2, 2025
- Finale Location: Mambo Leo Stadium, Kisumu
- Key Activities: Business forums, youth training, women empowerment, bodaboda safety, M-PESA agent awards, concerts
- Regions Covered: Siaya, Kisumu, Kakamega, Bungoma, Vihiga, Busia
