Over 250 drivers and ride-hailing operators gathered in Nairobi on Wednesday for a business-focused learning forum organised by Safaricom, aimed at equipping those in the mobility sector with financial knowledge, digital tools, and networking opportunities.
The event, known as the Safaricom Safire Connect Forum, took place at Strathmore University, serving as one of several grassroots initiatives designed to uplift informal businesspeople and celebrate the 18th anniversary of M-PESA.
It brought together drivers, fleet operators, and mobility entrepreneurs for a full day of skill-building and access to enterprise-focused technology.
Safaricom Chief Financial Services Officer Esther Waititu said the forum is part of its strategy to strengthen the business potential of everyday earners by exposing them to tools that improve efficiency and unlock revenue opportunities.
“Safaricom Safire Connect is about unlocking opportunities for the everyday hustler. Whether you’re a cab driver or a fleet owner, we want to walk with you on your growth journey, offering the tools, knowledge and networks you need to succeed,” Waititu said.
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Throughout the day, participants were introduced to a range of Safaricom’s business solutions—such as Ziidi MMF, Fuliza ya Biashara, Pochi la Biashara, Lipa na M-PESA, and Taasi Till—designed to help entrepreneurs better manage finances, expand their customer reach, and transact more efficiently.
In addition to product demonstrations, the forum featured sessions led by industry experts from institutions such as DTB, Centonomy, TransUnion, E-Mobilis, and Strathmore Business School.
Discussions ranged from business innovation and credit literacy to entrepreneurship and digital skills development, tailored specifically for the mobility economy.
One of the attendees, Samuel Wanderi, CEO of Royal Rides, said the sessions had helped him rethink his approach to growth.
“I’ve learned a lot about financial freedom and the digital tools I can use to invest and grow my income. I’m also leaving here empowered to think more innovatively about how I run my business,” Wanderi said.
The Safire Connect Forum forms part of the broader M-PESA Sokoni campaign, Safaricom’s ongoing nationwide activation celebrating nearly two decades of its mobile money service.
Other activities include roadshows, community rewards, and customer engagement events.
With informal transport workers forming a critical segment of Kenya’s urban economy, Safaricom said it hopes to use such forums to empower drivers with sustainable strategies, positioning them to thrive despite economic pressures and the digital shift reshaping small business operations.
