NAIROBI — The roar at Nyayo National Stadium is set to be louder and more connected than ever after Safaricom’s M‑PESA pledged Sh10 million to the HSBC SVNS2 Rugby Sevens tournament. The two‑day festival of speed and skill, scheduled for February 14-15, 2026, now arrives with a tech boost that promises seamless coverage, richer fan experiences, and tangible support for Kenya’s national sevens teams.
A Tech Backbone for a Global Showpiece
As the tournament’s official technology partner, Safaricom will outfit the event with a world‑class media centre and deliver robust internet connectivity across key operational zones. Journalists and broadcasters will benefit from dedicated devices and airtime, ensuring the drama on the pitch is captured and shared without a hitch. The move signals a modern approach to staging sport — where elite performance meets elite connectivity.
Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa hailed the Kenya Rugby Union for securing the hosting rights and framed the partnership as more than sponsorship. “We are proud to be part of this journey,” he said, highlighting the company’s commitment to keeping fans connected and empowering media coverage with top‑tier infrastructure.
Fans Win with M‑PESA Perks
Supporters will feel the love, too. Through the M‑PESA App, matchgoers will access exclusive discounts on flights and cab services from 14–16 February. Customers spending Ksh 5,000 on trips and flights will receive 25% off, while bus bookings of Ksh 1,500 also attract 25% off. Smaller spenders aren’t left out: users who spend Ksh 250 on trips will get Ksh 100 back. Special M‑PESA App deals and Rugby BLIVE data bundles will keep fans streaming and sharing every try and turnover.
Deepening Support for Shujaa and the Lionesses
This sponsorship builds on a broader M‑PESA commitment to Kenyan rugby. Under a two‑year partnership with the Kenya Rugby Union, M‑PESA already backs the national sevens teams — Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses — through a package valued at over Ksh 100 million. That support covers player and official allowances, medical insurance, airtime, and financial literacy programs, strengthening the teams on and off the field.
Ndegwa emphasised the practical side of the partnership: ensuring players receive salaries and allowances reliably through Safaricom’s remittance arm, while also delivering fan benefits and media empowerment during the tournament.
A Global Field, A Home Crowd
The Nairobi leg will pit Kenya’s men and women against elite international opposition as both teams chase promotion to HSBC SVNS Division 1. Twelve teams will compete across the men’s and women’s draws. The men’s field includes Kenya, USA, Uruguay, Germany, Belgium, and Canada, while the women’s competition features Kenya, Brazil, Spain, China, South Africa, and Argentina, alongside qualifiers from SVNS3.
Lionesses captain Sheila Chajira captured the mood: the chance to perform at home is priceless, she said, thanking sponsors and urging fans to pack the stands as the teams chase history.
Safaricom’s M‑PESA has not only written a cheque — it has wired the tournament for modern sport, layered fan incentives on top, and reinforced a long‑term investment in Kenya’s rugby future. With connectivity, cashless perks, and sustained team support, Nyayo Stadium is primed to deliver a weekend where every pass, sprint, and celebration is shared in real time.
