Safaricom has upped its commitment to the grassroots with the launch of the Mt Kenya Region leg of the M-PESA Sokoni tour, as M-PESA celebrates 18 years of transforming lives.

This significant edition of the nationwide M-PESA Sokoni caravan targets micro, small and small enterprises (MSMEs) in Thika, Murang’a, Nyeri, Meru, Embu, Laikipia and Mwingi.

The all-inclusive caravan by Safaricom has been designed to empower the everyday trader with the digital tools that will drive their growth, resilience, and smarter operations.

This leg of the caravan was flagged off at Kiganjo in Thika by Safaricom Regional Business Lead for Mountain Region Patrick Mburu, and Chapter Lead, Integrated Media Stella Arithi.

“Were hee in Mt Kenya region courtesy of M-PES Sokoni, to connect with businesses and customers; watch out for amazing prizes and offers this week!” said Mburu.

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Following successful legs in Coastal and Rift Valley regions, the Mt Kenya leg blends vibrant entertainment, direct merchant engagement, and digital education into a lively, mobile experience that meets businesses and their owners right at the heart of their communities.

The tour of Central Kenya region is not just a celebration of M-PESA’s exemplary legacy of 18 years, but a tangible effort to connect entrepreneurs to real-world business solutions.

Whether it is a mama mboga in Embu or a boda boda rider in Nyeri, the Sokoni tour brings simplified access to financial tools that many small businesses still struggle to navigate.

“This is our chance to celebrate our customers, listen to them and support them with tools that make real business impact,” said Safaricom CEO Dr Peter Ndegwa.

He added: “We believe in their potential, and we are here to walk with them every step of the way.”

At every stop, traders are taken through practical demonstrations of digital tools which are tailored to simplify how they manage their cash, grow credit, and serve their customers.

These include:

• Pochi la Biashara – for separating personal and business money

• Lipa na M-PESA – to simplify payment collection

• M-PESA Business App – for real-time transaction tracking and reporting

• Fuliza ya Biashara – an overdraft service tailored for businesses

• Business Loans – accessible right from their phones

Safaricom presenters, in partnership with Royal Media Services personalities, use energetic roadshows and interactive games like “M-PESA or the Box” to educate and reward audiences.

Scores of winners walk away with shopping vouchers, electronics, branded goodies, and even cash, but the real prize is knowledge and access.

Safaricom uses the tour to showcase its services and invest in communities through the following key programmes:

• Safire Connect Forum: A platform for entrepreneurs to network and learn about digital literacy, financial wellness, and modern entrepreneurship

• Wezesha Mama Initiative: Supporting women-led businesses with digital skills, financial training, and seed capital to strengthen their enterprises

• GROW with Safaricom: SACCO leaders and cooperative societies from the region will gain hands-on exposure to digital tools that can automate operations from loan management to mobile reporting and secure data sharing

• Hook Circle Boda Workshop: Through Safaricom Hook, young boda boda riders will get digital skills, personal finance coaching, and entrepreneurship support to turn their hustle into a lasting enterprise

• M-PESA Agent Awards: To wrap it all up, outstanding M-PESA agents will be recognised for their frontline role in enabling access to financial services — a reminder that behind every digital transaction is a human who makes it work.

The Mt Kenya region is a stronghold for SMEs, agribusiness, and SACCOS and M-PESA Sokoni is expanding Safaricom’s commercial footprint and nurturing the foundation of Kenya’s economic engine.

This tour is a reflection of a bold shift from traditional marketing to community-driven engagement, and a deeper alignment with the needs of small businesses across Kenya.

The M-PESA Sokoni caravan is Safaricom’s open-door invitation for SMEs and entrepreneurs to plug into a smarter, digital future through education, inspiration and real-time access.

As Dr Ndegwa rightly put it, "We believe in their potential, and we are here to walk with them every step of the way."