Kenya’s gaming scene came alive at the 2025 Otamatsuri Gaming Convention, held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), bringing together hundreds of enthusiasts for an unforgettable day of competition and creativity. Powered by Safaricom’s 5G network, participants enjoyed fast, low-latency connectivity that enabled seamless online play, live streaming, and collaborative gaming experiences. From competitive tournaments to immersive showcases, the convention transformed the venue into a vibrant hub of energy, skill, and community engagement. Beyond gaming, attendees explored the wider pop culture landscape, including anime, manga, movies, music, cosplay, and merchandise exhibitions, highlighting the convention’s growing cultural impact.
A key highlight of the event was the Local Area Network (LAN) Party, where gamers brought their own PCs and consoles to compete in an all-night marathon across genres such as shooters, strategy games, and sports titles. The LAN Party captured the festival-like spirit of Otamatsuri, blending high-stakes competition with camaraderie, adrenaline, and community celebration. Organizers praised the role of Safaricom’s 5G in creating a smooth, reliable experience for all participants, allowing them to focus on strategy, skill, and teamwork rather than technical limitations. Attendees, including veteran gamers like Murray Lidambiza, noted how events like this underscore the rapid growth and maturity of Kenya’s e-sports and gaming community.
Otamatsuri has established itself as one of Kenya’s premier pop culture conventions, attracting a dynamic and youthful fanbase. The 2025 edition demonstrated not only the strength of local gaming talent but also the importance of connectivity, innovation, and support from key partners like Safaricom. With thousands in attendance, the convention offered a platform to celebrate creativity, foster connections, and showcase the potential of Kenya’s gaming industry. Looking ahead, organizers aim to expand the event further, continuing to nurture the country’s growing gaming and e-sports ecosystem while celebrating the full spectrum of pop culture in Kenya.