Hundreds Converge at KICC for the 2025 Otamatsuri Gaming Convention

Hundreds of Kenyan gaming enthusiasts gathered on Saturday at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) for the thrilling 2025 Otamatsuri Gaming Convention. The event transformed the venue into an electrifying hub of energy, skill, and creativity, as gamers competed and showcased their talent in an immersive high-energy environment.

As part of its support, Safaricom powered the gaming experience with 5G network connectivity, giving participants a chance to experience firsthand the speed, low latency, and reliability of the network. This ensured smooth gameplay and seamless online interactions, a critical component for competitive and social gaming alike.

“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 is about enabling experiences, connecting communities, and supporting the growth of gaming culture in Kenya,” said Fawzia Ali, Chief Consumer Business Officer at Safaricom PLC.

Beyond gaming, the event celebrated diverse aspects of pop culture including movies, TV shows, music, technology, cosplay, performances, and merchandise exhibitions.

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“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. 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,” Jotham Micah, the organiser.

The highlight of the event was a Local Area Network (LAN) Party, an electrifying all-night gaming marathon where participants brought their own PCs or consoles, connected to a blazing-fast local network, and battled head-to-head in nonstop competition. Mixing the thrill of a tournament with the atmosphere of a festival, the LAN Party featured intense matchups across multiple genres, including shooters, strategy games, sports titles, and more.

Fuelled by adrenaline, energy drinks, and the drive for victory, gamers played through the night, competing for prizes, bragging rights, and community glory.

Otamatsuri, an annual anime, manga, and multi-entertainment convention, has become one of the most vibrant pop culture festivals in Kenya, attracting a youthful and dynamic fanbase. Beyond gaming, the event celebrates diverse aspects of pop culture including movies, TV shows, music, technology, cosplay, performances, and merchandise exhibitions.

From the gamers’ perspective, the convention highlighted just how far Kenya’s gaming scene has evolved. Murray Lidambiza, a veteran gamer with two decades of experience, reflected on the journey of local e-sport. “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.”

With thousands in attendance, a buzzing atmosphere, and Safaricom’s 5G network connectivity at its core, the 2025 Otamatsuri Gaming Convention reaffirmed its position as one of Kenya’s biggest gaming and pop culture events.

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