Advertisement

Safaricom backs Kipchoge with new M-Pesa logo

Wednesday October 09 2019
logo

Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph walks past new-look M-Pesa logo at Safaricom House on October 9, 2019. The logo has been designed in support of Eliud Kipchoge's INEOS 1:59 Challenge. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

By KIPLAGAT EDWIN

Kenya telco Safaricom has announced that it will revamp its mobile money platform M-Pesa logo for the next seven days to pay homage to marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge.

Speaking while unveiling the logo on Wednesday in the capital Nairobi, the telco's acting CEO Michael Joseph said the move demonstrates Safaricom’s commitment to be “part of Kenyans way of life”.

“In honour of this attempt [INEOS 1:59 Challenge] we will change our MPesa logo for the next seven days to show our loyalty and affinity to him and also to wish him well,” said Mr Joseph.

Kipchoge, 34, will be attempting to run the 42-kilometre distance in Vienna Austria in under two hours but in controlled condition.

The organisers have set Saturday as the date for the showpiece.

“Decision has been made for the INEOS 1:59 Challenge to take place this Saturday 12th October in Vienna. Conditions on the course are looking optimal for race day. Final start time will be confirmed on the afternoon of Friday 11th October,” the organisers said in a statement on Wednesday.

Advertisement

“I am very excited to be here in Vienna. I have now seen the course for the first time and it looked great. I can't wait to run on it and hopefully I will see you all there this weekend,” Kipchoge said after landing in Vienna on Tuesday.

Besides the new look, Safaricom will also give free YouTube live streaming to watch the challenge. The challenge is sponsored by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Safaricom is East Africa's largest and most profitable mobile network operator.

Advertisement