Trans Nzoia reigned supreme today as Kitale Media Teams showcased their prowess at the Safaricom 5-aside Rift Valley Regional Tournament held at the Kip Keino Arena in Eldoret. In an all-Kitale final, Kitale Media Team A emerged victorious, narrowly defeating Team B with a hard-fought 2-1 win.
Mike Sikoyo and Zewede found the back of the net for Team A, securing their championship title, while Marvin Khayemba scored the lone goal for Team B in a thrilling match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The champions, Kitale Media Team A, walked away with a grand prize of KES 50,000, while the first runners-up, Kitale Media Team B, received KES 30,000. Both teams also bagged additional prizes, including power banks and shopping vouchers.
The path to the final was not easy for either Kitale side. Kitale Media Team A secured their spot by edging out Eldoret-based Daily Sports with a 1-0 victory in the semi-finals. Kitale Media Team B, on the other hand, overcame Hubz Media in a penalty shootout, winning 2-1 after their semi-final match ended in a goalless draw.
Emmanuel Sabuni, captain of Daily Sports, lauded the tournament for its broader impact beyond just competition. “This was more than just a tournament, it was a reunion, a networking platform, and a celebration of our industry. Some of us hadn’t met in years, and Safaricom, through today’s tournament, gave us that opportunity. We got to connect, compete and celebrate our craft,” he stated.
The tournament was a key part of Safaricom’s regional media engagement initiative and served as a prelude to the M-PESA Sokoni Caravan Tour, which is set to kick off tomorrow in Turbo. This week-long activation is a component of the M-PESA @ 18 celebrations, offering customers the chance to win various prizes such as cash, shopping vouchers, merchandise, electronics, and other surprises through the popular “M-PESA or the Box” game.
Beyond the caravan, Safaricom continues to organize numerous customer engagement initiatives focused on capacity building, business growth, and community empowerment. These include “Safire Connect” for business-minded customers, “Safaricom Hook” for the youth, the launch of “Doto Zetu phase 7,” and the “M-Pesa Agents Awards,” among other programs.
