Over 12,000 Kenyans Gather to Mark Nearly Two Decades of Mobile Money Innovation
Safaricom’s M-PESA, the world’s largest mobile money platform, celebrated its 18th anniversary with an 18-hour mega concert at Nairobi’s iconic Uhuru Park on March 24, 2025. The event drew over 12,000 attendees and featured more than 35 top Kenyan performers in a vibrant showcase of the country’s rich musical talent and Safaricom’s continued investment in the creative economy.
A Festival of Music, Innovation, and Community
Themed “M-PESA at 18,” the concert wasn’t just a birthday party—it was a celebration of M-PESA’s role in transforming Kenya’s digital and financial landscape. Launched in 2007, M-PESA has grown to become a central pillar in the lives of over 34 million Kenyans, powering transactions, savings, and access to credit for individuals and businesses alike.
The event brought together an expansive crew of 211 personnel, 30 local vendors, and over 800 trained security officers to ensure a safe, seamless experience for all attendees. From food and fashion to art and tech, the event amplified local entrepreneurship and emphasized Safaricom’s broader contribution to job creation and financial inclusion.
Powering Kenya’s Creative and Financial Ecosystems
According to Safaricom CEO Dr. Peter Ndegwa, the concert not only marked a corporate milestone but also paid tribute to M-PESA’s integral role in shaping Kenya’s economy.
“This event not only marks our 18th birthday but also highlights the incredible role M-PESA has played and continues to play in fueling the economy and revolutionizing the way people send money, make payments, and conduct business,” said Dr. Ndegwa.
An 18-Hour Lineup of Entertainment
The concert delivered a genre-blending experience with live acts from Kenya’s biggest stars across afropop, gengetone, reggae, gospel, and more. The celebration climaxed with a dazzling 30-minute fireworks display, capping off a night that was both nostalgic and forward-looking.
The event’s success also leaned on a network of more than 10 agency partners, whose combined 800+ personnel helped execute logistics, entertainment, and crowd engagement. Discounted transport options were provided to ease access to the venue, reinforcing Safaricom’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
M-PESA’s Journey from Disruption to Dominance
M-PESA has driven financial inclusion in Kenya from just 26.7% in 2006 to 83.7% by 2021, according to data cited by Safaricom. With over KES 139.9 billion in revenue as of FY2024, the platform is not only a fintech powerhouse but also a social utility central to everyday life in Kenya.
Safaricom’s broader footprint includes connectivity through 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G, covering more than 99% of Kenya’s population. It supports over 1.2 million jobs directly and indirectly, with an economic value of KES 562.2 billion generated in the year ending March 2024.
Looking Ahead: A Future Beyond Kenya
Beyond borders, Safaricom is also rolling out mobile money services in Ethiopia via its subsidiary Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia, contributing to digital transformation in one of Africa’s largest untapped markets.
Aligned with global sustainability goals, Safaricom is also actively working toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, improving network energy efficiency and reducing fuel consumption across its infrastructure.
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