This archive report was first published on 9 October 2019.
On October 9, 2019, Safaricom unveiled a new M-Pesa logo in support of Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge's INEOS 1:59 Challenge.
The logo, which will run for seven days, is a tribute to Kipchoge's historic attempt to become the first athlete to run a full marathon in under two hours in Vienna, Austria.
Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Michael Joseph said the company's partnership with Kipchoge, which began in 2017, has been a successful one, with Kipchoge becoming the company's brand ambassador.
As part of their support, Safaricom will provide a free YouTube data bundle on the day of Kipchoge's race, allowing customers to stream the race live on their phones at no cost.
Customers can access the data bundle by dialling 159# and will receive free YouTube access, allowing them to stream the entire race at no cost.
"We gave the world its first mobile telephone money transfer in 2007 and Kenya will give the world its first athlete to run under two hours on Saturday," said Joseph during the launch of the logo.
Joseph also announced that Safaricom will enable all its customers to send free messages voicing their support for Kipchoge during the race by sending a text to 159. The messages will be displayed live on broadcast TV feeds during the race.
