Nairobi, Kenya – On August 24, 2025, the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) transformed into a vibrant hub of gaming, anime, and pop culture as hundreds of Kenyan gaming enthusiasts converged for the 2025 Otamatsuri Gaming Convention. The event, Africa’s largest anime and manga convention, was supercharged by Safaricom’s cutting-edge 5G network, delivering seamless, high-speed connectivity that elevated the gaming experience to new heights.
Otamatsuri, an annual celebration of Japanese and Korean pop culture, brought together thousands of fans for a dynamic showcase of gaming tournaments, cosplay championships, Webtoon competitions, and merchandise exhibitions. The event, organized by Movie Jabber, has grown since its inception in 2019 to become a cornerstone of Kenya’s gaming and pop culture scene. This year’s convention circit was no exception, with attendees immersed in an electrifying atmosphere of skill, creativity, and community.The highlight of the convention was the overnight Local Area Network (LAN) Party, a high-energy gaming marathon where participants brought their own PCs and consoles to compete in head-to-head battles across genres like shooters, strategy games, and sports titles. The event’s “LANarchy” tradition blended tournament intensity with a festival vibe, fueled by adrenaline, energy drinks, and the pursuit of bragging rights.
Safaricom’s 5G: The Backbone of Seamless Gameplay
Safaricom, Kenya’s leading telecommunications provider, powered the convention with its 5G network, ensuring low-latency, high-speed connectivity critical for competitive and social gaming. The network’s reliability enabled smooth multiplayer sessions, real-time play, and responsive content sharing, creating an immersive experience for all participants. Fawzia Ali, Safaricom’s Chief Consumer Business Officer, emphasized the company’s commitment: “We are proud to partner with Otamatsuri to power this year’s convention with our 5G network. This is not just about showcasing speed and reliability; it’s about enabling experiences, connecting communities, and supporting the growth of gaming culture in Kenya.”
Event organizer Jotham Micah praised Safaricom’s contribution, noting, “The speed and stability of their 5G network has been a game-changer for our competitors. We are optimistic about growing this convention to even greater heights in the coming year.” Veteran gamer Murray Lidambiza echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the evolution of Kenya’s gaming scene: “Reliable network connectivity is have been instrumental in making gaming and e-sports possible in Kenya. Without strong internet, we simply can’t game.
Otamatsuri 2025 not only showcased Kenya’s rising influence in African esports but also set a new benchmark for gaming events on the continent. With Safaricom’s 5G as its backbone, the convention delivered a reliable network, a platform for skill to shine, and a welcoming festival atmosphere. As Kenya’s gaming culture continues to evolve, events like Otamatsuri, powered by advanced connectivity, are poised to drive the industry to new heights