Safaricom, under its M-PESA brand, has invested KSh. 10 million in the preparations for the upcoming HSBC SVNS2 Rugby Sevens Tournament that will take place on Saturday, 14th February, and Sunday, 15th February, 2026.
The company has filled this gap by being officially recognized as a technology partner for this event. Safaricom has pledged to provide a modern media centre, good internet connectivity in key areas, and communication facilitation. This will aid in the smooth conduction and coverage of this international tournament.
In his address during the announcement, the Safaricom CEO, Mr. Peter Ndegwa, hailed the Kenya Rugby Union for acquiring the right to host the global competition in Kenya.
He declared that Safaricom prides itself in being part of the process, adding that through its subsidiary, Safaricom Money Transfer Services Limited, the company has been supporting the national teams, Shujaa, and Kenya Lionesses by facilitating players to receive their salaries and attendant benefits in good time.
Safaricom also aims at enabling the fans stay connected all the time through its expansive network, as well as facilitating the media with a conducive media center to work from during the tournament. The fans will enjoy special offers through M-PESA App discounts and Rugby BLIVE data bundles.
Fans attending the games will be rewarded with discounted transportation through deals offered by the M-PESA App between the 14th and 16th of February. Clients who book flights and cabs worth KSh 5,000 will enjoy a 25 percent discount. Others who take the bus for KSh 1,500 will also have 25 percent off. Moreover, those with the M-PESA Little app who spend KSh 250 will be rewarded with KSh 100 after their trip.
This is not the only sponsorship for the game in the country as Safaricom continues to support rugby in Kenya. In fact, M-PESA is the official sponsor for Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses under a two-year deal with the KRU worth more than KSh 100 million. They provide for monthly allowances for the players and officials, medical covers, airtime, as well as financial literacy.
In the two-day tournament, Shujaa as well as the Lionesses will be fighting to return to the HSBC SVNS Division 1 as they take on tough rival teams in front of their home crowd.
There will be a total of twelve teams participating.
In the men’s category: Kenya, USA, Uruguay, Germany, Belgium, and Canada.
In the women’s category: Kenya, Brazil, Spain, China, South Africa, and Argentina.
Kenya Lionesses captain Sheila Chajira said playing at home is a major motivation to her team. She said that this tournament means a lot to them, and they are ready to give their best.
She thanked the sponsors for continuing to support them, as that has boosted the team’s morale and performance. She also asked the fans to come in large numbers and support them as they try to create history.
HSBC SVNS2 is an event of the global HSBC SVNS series of fast-paced and exciting games of rugby sevens.
