Cashless Payment at WRC Safari Rally has transformed how vendors conduct business in Naivasha. Since the iconic WRC Safari Rally returned to Kenya in 2021, Naivasha has become a magnet for motorsport enthusiasts from around the world. Each year, thousands of fans gather in this lakeside town to witness rally cars take on the rugged, dusty terrains a thrilling experience that blends speed, nature, and cultural vibrancy.
Beyond the excitement of the rally itself, the event has become a major economic driver for local businesses. Small traders, hawkers, and vendors eagerly anticipate the rally season, knowing it presents a rare opportunity to boost their income.
Ordinarily, Naivasha’s vast ranches are home to wildlife. But for four electrifying days, these open landscapes transformed into bustling rally stages packed with fans. For local traders, these rally hotspots became thriving marketplaces, with vendors selling everything from food and drinks to camping gear and souvenirs.
While the crowds created the perfect environment for business, cashless payment through M-PESA played a key role in making transactions smoother and more efficient. In remote rally stages where handling cash can be inconvenient, digital payments became a lifeline for both vendors and customers.
For food vendors like Samuel Osore, a Naivasha resident who has attended every Safari Rally since its return, M-PESA has transformed how he runs his business. Selling chapatis, smokies, sausages, and samosas at the spectator zones, Osore said cashless payments made his work easier and more customer-friendly.
“Since I started my business, I have always preferred cashless payments because they are very convenient. As you can see, I have a Lipa Na M-PESA Till where my customers can pay instantly. It saves me time looking for change, allowing me to serve more people quickly. Most customers don’t even carry physical cash anymore, so M-PESA is their first choice. It’s fast, safe, and convenient. In a fast-paced event like this, where every second counts, it gives me peace of mind knowing my money is secure,” Osore explained.
For Saitoti Kennedy Menga, a leather goods vendor from Mlango Kubwa, Nairobi, the rally was a golden business opportunity. Since Thursday, he and his friends camped in Naivasha, selling leather products and traditional hats, which proved popular among rally fans.
“For the past two rallies, I have never missed this chance to sell my goods. This time, I traveled with friends because the rally is a great opportunity to make money. Rally-goers love these hats,” Saitoti said.
For him, M-PESA was indispensable. “Most of my customers prefer M-PESA. I like it too because I don’t have to waste time looking for change, which can be tricky in a place like this. Sometimes, customers even include withdrawal charges, which slightly increases my earnings,” he added.
John Mwangi, a soft drink vendor from Nakuru, also noted how digital payments streamlined his business at the rally. He particularly relied on Pochi La Biashara, an M-PESA service designed for small traders.
“Last year was better for business due to the economy, but I still value coming here,” Mwangi shared. “At the rally, I always encourage customers to use Pochi La Biashara because it prevents transaction reversals and secures my earnings. In a chaotic setting like this, where so many people are transacting, it’s the safest way to ensure I don’t lose money.”
Apart from food and drink vendors, traders selling rally-themed souvenirs also saw a boost in sales, thanks to cashless payments. With many rally-goers being young and tech-savvy, most preferred paying via M-PESA rather than carrying cash.
For traders who traveled from different parts of the country to set up shop at the rally, mobile payments eliminated the risk of handling large sums of money, reducing concerns over theft or loss.
Beyond just benefiting vendors, digital payments improved the overall experience for rally attendees. With thousands of people moving between different spectator zones, dealing with cash transactions would have been time-consuming and inconvenient.
By simply scanning a QR code or entering a paybill number, customers could make payments instantly, allowing them to focus more on enjoying the rally rather than worrying about carrying cash or waiting for change.
With the success of cashless payments at the WRC Safari Rally, it’s clear that digital transactions are shaping the future of business at major events in Kenya. Vendors who embraced M-PESA reported faster transactions, increased security, and a better overall business experience.
As mobile payment technology continues to evolve, more traders will likely shift to digital-first operations not just at the Safari Rally, but at other major events across the country.
For vendors like Osore, Saitoti, and Mwangi, cashless payments are no longer just an option they are a necessity for business success in a fast-moving world
