If you're a young person working, living or studying in Nairobi, using M-Pesa is second nature. Whether you need to pay your electricity, water or internet bills, pay for a boda boda or send money to your family, M-Pesa is the go-to service for mobile money transactions.
As the ultimate hustlers, young people are the backbone of Kenya’s economy. Whether it's via kiosks, SMEs in fashion, agriculture, hospitality or even fintech, youths provide so much to the economy, contributing greatly to the nation’s GDP.
And this is where M-Pesa comes in, providing a bridge between hustle and empowerment, allowing anyone with a dream to be part of Kenya’s economic journey.
Over the past few months, the M-Pesa Sokoni caravan has travelled across Kenya, from Mombasa to Kisumu, bringing together market activations, local entrepreneurs, and tech showcases, all while having real-time rewards.
Now, the M-Pesa Sokoni Caravan finale has arrived, and it’s in Nairobi. It is bigger and better, giving M-Pesa users and young, vibrant Gen Zs a chance to explore opportunities, interact, and have fun.
Throughout the caravan, the message has remained consistent: M-Pesa is a key pillar of economic growth and empowerment for Kenyans from all walks of life.
Through its wide range of financial services, such as Fuliza, Zidii, Lipa na M-Pesa, and Masoko, M-Pesa provides an ecosystem where Kenyans, regardless of income bracket, can benefit.
These platforms collectively offer quick, accessible loans, help users earn extra income, and uplift businesses.
At Sokoni, Kenyans have access to an inclusive marketplace that is not only transactional but also cultural, educational, and forward-looking.
Following its 18th anniversary and the milestone of reaching 50 million customers, M-Pesa is rewarding users with prizes such as vouchers, electronics, and cash through the "M-Pesa or the Box" game show.
Whether you’re from Kayole or Karen, the youth will get to experience over 150 merchants, cultural showcases, live concerts, SME empowerment forums, discounted goods, flash deals, and exciting rewards at the M-Pesa Sokoni finale.
In the lead-up to the finale, Safaricom hosted the Grow with Safaricom Business Forum on Friday, August 8, at the Michael Joseph Centre, and Safaricom Hook, an engagement and market day for the youth, at Greenspan Mall.
The Grow with Safaricom Business Forums aim to empower SMEs with the knowledge and skills necessary to sustainably accelerate their growth and overcome challenges such as digitising operations, limited market access, regulatory barriers, brand building, and a lack of digital marketing expertise.
Aside from this, several activities were also lined up throughout the week, starting with the Safire Connect event on Tuesday, August 5, at Strathmore University. This forum brought together like-minded individuals to exchange ideas on hustle, personal branding, community opportunities, and financial wellness.
The M-Pesa Foundation's Wezesha Mama program brought together women's groups for financial and digital literacy training and provided access to seed capital to boost their businesses.
The M-Pesa Sokoni finale follows successful tours in the Western and Nyanza regions last week.
Beneficiaries of the tours told stories about how they were able to learn more about Safaricom products and services, including Taasi Till and Taasi Pochi, Fuliza ya Biashara, and Pochi la Biashara.
Locals got insights into how M-Pesa provides a chance to simplify life, just by the click of a button.
Together with the various rewards, Kenyans credited M-Pesa and Safaricom as a friend for life, for all seasons.
As the M-Pesa Sokoni Caravan culminates in Nairobi, it solidifies its role as more than a promotional tour.
It has become a crucial platform for connecting with customers, particularly the youth, and demonstrating M-Pesa's commitment to being a central pillar of Kenya's economic growth.
Through a mix of rewards, financial literacy training, and SME empowerment forums, Safaricom has shown that its success is intrinsically linked to the success of its customers, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for life.
Download the M-Pesa App today, either on iOS or Android, to join the community and start your journey of financial empowerment!