Hundreds of gaming fans thronged the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Saturday for the Otamatsuri 2025 Gaming Convention, turning the venue into a lively mix of competition, creativity, and pop culture.
The annual event brought together players of all levels to showcase their skills in an electrifying atmosphere. Safaricom powered the experience with its 5G network, giving gamers a chance to enjoy smooth, fast, and reliable connections throughout the event.
“We are proud to partner with Otamatsuri to power this year’s convention with our 5G network. This is not just about speed and reliability it’s about enabling experiences, connecting communities, and supporting the growth of gaming culture in Kenya,” said Fawzia Ali, Chief Consumer Business Officer at Safaricom PLC.
The convention went beyond gaming, featuring cosplay, live performances, film and TV showcases, music, merchandise, and other aspects of pop culture.
Event organizer Jotham Micah described this year’s turnout as the biggest yet.
“The response has been incredible, with gamers turning up in large numbers to compete and connect. Safaricom’s 5G has been a game-changer for our players, giving them the kind of stable, high-speed connection they need. We are confident the convention will only keep growing from here,” he said.
One of the highlights was the all-night Local Area Network (LAN) Party, where players brought their own PCs and consoles for nonstop battles across different genres, from shooters to sports games. The marathon session blended competition with the energy of a festival, keeping gamers locked in until dawn.
For many, the event reflected just how much Kenya’s gaming scene has grown. Veteran gamer Murray Lidambiza, who has been part of the community for two decades, said the progress has been remarkable.
“I started gaming 20 years ago, and seeing how far the community has come is inspiring. Reliable internet is the backbone of e-sports, and providers like Safaricom are making it possible for us to take gaming seriously here in Kenya,” he said.
With thousands of fans in attendance, immersive competitions, and Safaricom’s 5G at its heart, the 2025 Otamatsuri Gaming Convention cemented its place as one of Kenya’s biggest celebrations of gaming and pop culture.
