Safaricom PLC has officially launched the Greater Western edition of the M-PESA Sokoni Festival. This is the latest stop in its nationwide initiative commemorating 18 years of M-PESA’s impact on Kenya’s digital and financial landscape.
Empowering communities across Western Kenya
The Sokoni Festival will be activated across the Greater Western region, hosting a mix of empowerment forums and high-impact community events. This regional leg will culminate in a grand finale at Mambo Leo Stadium. Customers will enjoy ‘deals by day’ in an open celebration of enterprise, innovation, and M-PESA-driven transformation, and ‘a free 18 & Over’ concert in the evening.
“Since its inception, M-PESA has transformed how millions of Kenyans access, move, grow, and protect their money. Through the Sokoni Festival, we are engaging directly with our customers. This is how we honour our customers by walking beside them, listening and offering real tools and solutions that make business and life easier,” said Dr. Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom PLC.
Spotlight on youth: Skills, training, and innovation
The festival programme features a series of tailored engagements that address the diverse needs of the Greater Western business ecosystem. Tomorrow, the Safaricom Hook Circle will bring together young entrepreneurs at Siaya National Polytechnic. Offering interactive workshops giving training in plumbing, electronics, hospitality, beauty, and fashion.
Women at the center with Wezesha Mama Initiative
Additionally, the Safire Connect forum will gather youth aspirers in Kisumu for hands-on digital and financial literacy training. On 30th July, the Wezesha Mama initiative will take centre stage, bringing together women’s groups.
Furthermore, Safaricom will also host dedicated forums for bodaboda operators on financial and digital tools, first aid, and road safety skills for their trade. Meanwhile, the Regional M-PESA Agent Awards on 31st July will celebrate agents who have shown exemplary service in extending financial inclusion across the region.
However, Safaricom Business Forum will host regional Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, partners, to explore practical ways technology can streamline operations. The celebrations will peak on 2nd August with the Sokoni Festival concert at Mambo Leo Stadium in Kisumu.
Through the M-PESA Sokoni Festival, Safaricom reaffirms its commitment to transforming lives and building shared prosperity. The Greater Western edition marks yet another stride in bringing digital tools closer to the people who need them most.
