The upcoming HSBC SVNS2 Rugby Sevens Tournament will benefit from Ksh 10 million in support from Safaricom through its M-PESA brand, ahead of the two-day event scheduled for February 14 and 15 at Nyayo National Stadium.
As the official technology partner, Safaricom will provide a fully equipped media centre, high-speed internet connectivity across key operational areas, and communication support including devices and airtime to ensure seamless coordination, coverage, and event management for this international tournament.
Speaking during the announcement, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa commended the Kenya Rugby Union for securing hosting rights.
“I want to applaud the Kenya Rugby Union for the tremendous work they have put in to ensure Kenya hosts this world-class tournament,” he said.
“As Safaricom, we are proud to be part of this journey. Through M-PESA, our support for Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses has focused on ensuring players receive their salaries and allowances reliably. Beyond that, we want fans to stay connected on our strong and reliable network, while empowering journalists with a world-class media centre for seamless coverage. We are also delighted to offer special M-PESA App cashback deals and exclusive Rugby BLIVE data bundles for our customers during the tournament.”
During the tournament, M-PESA customers will access a range of cashback offers.
Trips and flight bookings of Ksh 5,000 will earn 25 percent cashback, bus bookings of Ksh 1,500 will receive 25 percent cashback, ANGA users spending Ksh 800 will receive Ksh 200 cashback, and Little users spending Ksh 250 will receive Ksh 100 cashback. These offers will be valid from February 15 to 16.
The commitment builds on Safaricom’s broader engagement with Kenyan rugby, under a two-year partnership with the Kenya Rugby Union supporting the national Sevens teams, Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses.
This sponsorship, valued at over Ksh 100 million, covers player and official allowances, comprehensive medical insurance, airtime, and financial literacy programs.
A total of 12 teams will participate across men’s and women’s competitions. The men’s category features Kenya, USA, Uruguay, Germany, Belgium, and Canada, while the women’s category includes Kenya, Brazil, Spain, China, South Africa, and Argentina, all having qualified through the SVNS3 pathway.
Kenya Lionesses Captain Sheila Chajira highlighted the importance of competing on home soil.
“We are truly thrilled to compete on home soil. This tournament means a great deal to us, and we are ready to give it our all,” she said.
“To our sponsors, thank you for your continued support, your financial and institutional backing has inspired us and elevated our performance on the pitch. To our fans, we invite you to come out in large numbers and cheer us on as we aim to make history.”
The HSBC SVNS2 tournament forms part of the global HSBC SVNS series, which showcases fast-paced, high-intensity rugby sevens action and provides a platform for national teams to compete against elite international opponents while enhancing fan engagement through digital channels.
