The Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) was filled with energy on Saturday as thousands of gaming fans gathered for the 2025 Otamatsuri Gaming Convention, a spectacle that has quickly cemented itself as one of Kenya’s leading pop culture and gaming events.

The gathering brought together competitive gamers, casual players, and pop culture enthusiasts under one roof, with Safaricom taking centre stage by providing 5G connectivity to power the experience.

The high-speed network allowed participants to compete and connect without disruption, something organisers described as crucial to the success of the convention.

The Chief Consumer Business Officer at Safaricom PLC, Fawzia Ali, highlighted that the partnership was about more than just showcasing speed.

“We are proud to partner with Otamatsuri to power this year’s convention with our 5G network," Fawzia stated.

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"This is not just about showcasing speed and reliability, it is about enabling experiences, connecting communities, and supporting the growth of gaming culture in Kenya.”

The three-day affair was more than just a gaming contest. The convention celebrated anime, manga, movies, music, cosplay, performances, and merchandise exhibitions, giving fans an all-round entertainment showcase.

Organisers described the turnout as unprecedented, with gamers travelling from different parts of the country to showcase their skills.

The event’s organiser, Jotham Micah, expressed gratitude to supporters and noted the importance of network stability for the competitors.

“The turnout this year has been incredible, with an overwhelming number of gamers joining us to experience the event and showcase their talent. I would like to thank our key sponsors, especially Safaricom, for their strong support in powering this event with 5G," Micas said.

"The speed and stability of their network has been a game-changer for our competitors. We are optimistic about growing this convention to even greater heights in the coming year.”  

Among the standout attractions was the LAN Party, an all-night gaming marathon that turned KICC into a battleground of flashing screens, strategy, and adrenaline.

Gamers arrived with their own consoles and PCs, plugged into a blazing-fast local network, and competed in genres ranging from shooters to sports titles.

Fueled by energy drinks and the desire for glory, players pushed through the night in pursuit of prizes and bragging rights.

The convention also served as a reminder of Kenya’s growing e-sports journey.

Murray Lidambiza, a gamer with two decades of experience, reflected on how far the community had come.

“I started gaming 20 years ago and seeing how the community has grown is incredible. Events like this show how far we have come. Reliable network connectivity is at the heart of gaming, and providers like Safaricom have been instrumental in making gaming and e-sports possible in Kenya. Without strong internet, we simply can’t game.”

Otamatsuri has grown into an annual highlight for young Kenyans, blending gaming with wider pop culture experiences.

With a buzzing crowd, seamless 5G-powered gameplay, and an array of entertainment, the 2025 edition underscored just how central the event has become to Kenya’s digital and cultural calendar.