The Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) buzzed with excitement on Saturday as hundreds of Kenyan gaming enthusiasts gathered for the 2025 Otamatsuri Gaming Convention. Powered by Safaricom’s cutting-edge 5G network, the event transformed the venue into a vibrant hub of skill, creativity, and competitive spirit, showcasing the growing gaming culture in Kenya.
A High-Energy Gaming Extravaganza
The Otamatsuri Gaming Convention turned KICC into an electrifying arena where gamers competed in high-stakes tournaments and displayed their talents. The event, a celebration of gaming and pop culture, featured an immersive environment fueled by adrenaline and camaraderie. From intense esports matchups to creative cosplay displays, the convention offered something for every enthusiast.
Safaricom’s 5G Powers Seamless
Gameplay Safaricom’s 5G network was the backbone of the event, delivering lightning-fast connectivity, low latency, and unmatched reliability. This ensured smooth gameplay and seamless online interactions, critical for competitive gaming. “We are proud to partner with Otamatsuri to power this year’s convention with our 5G network,” said Fawzia Ali, Chief Consumer Business Officer at Safaricom PLC.
“This is not just about showcasing speed and reliability; it is about enabling experiences, connecting communities, and supporting the growth of gaming culture in Kenya.”
LAN Party Steals the Show.
The convention’s highlight was the electrifying Local Area Network (LAN) Party, an all-night gaming marathon that kept the energy soaring. Participants brought their PCs and consoles, connecting to a high-speed local network for head-to-head battles across genres like shooters, strategy games, and sports titles.
Fueled by energy drinks and the thrill of competition, gamers vied for prizes, bragging rights, and community glory in a festival-like atmosphere.
A Celebration of Pop Culture.
Beyond gaming, Otamatsuri 2025 embraced the broader spectrum of pop culture, with exhibitions and performances celebrating movies, TV shows, music, technology, and cosplay. Attendees explored merchandise stalls and enjoyed vibrant displays, making the event a dynamic melting pot of creativity and fandom.
“The turnout this year has been incredible,” said Jotham Micah, the event organiser. “I would like to thank our key sponsors, especially Safaricom, for their strong support in powering this event with 5G.
The speed and stability of their network have been a game-changer for our competitors. We are optimistic about growing this convention to even greater heights in the coming year.”
Kenya’s Gaming Scene Takes Centre Stage.
The convention underscored the remarkable evolution of Kenya’s gaming and esports community. Veteran gamer Murray Lidambiza, with two decades of experience, reflected on the journey.
“I started gaming 20 years ago, and seeing how the community has grown is incredible,” he said. “Events like this show how far we have come. Reliable network connectivity is at the heart of gaming, and providers like Safaricom have been instrumental in making gaming and esports possible in Kenya. Without a strong internet, we simply can’t game.”
A Bright Future for Otamatsuri.
With thousands in attendance and a pulsating atmosphere, the 2025 Otamatsuri Gaming Convention solidified its place as one of Kenya’s premier gaming and pop culture events.