Safaricom partners with PUBG MOBILE to empower Kenya's youth gamers

 

PUBG MOBILE has partnered with Safaricom PLC (NSE: SCOM) to introduce a new data bundle designed to make mobile gaming more affordable and accessible for Kenyan youth. The initiative, launched through Safaricom’s youth platform, Safaricom Hook, aims to reduce one of the biggest barriers to long-form mobile gaming in the country: high data costs. Under the limited-time offer, gamers who purchase a 1.5GB PUBG MOBILE data bundle receive an additional 1.5GB at no extra charge, effectively doubling their data allocation.

The promotion is available via USSD by dialing *544# or *555# and selecting the PUBG MOBILE bundle option, allowing for instant activation. The offer comes at a time when Kenya continues to lead the region in mobile internet adoption and youth-driven digital culture. While mobile gaming has seen rapid growth, sustained play—particularly for esports and online multiplayer titles—has often been constrained by the cost of data. By lowering the effective price per gigabyte, Safaricom and PUBG MOBILE are seeking to extend playtime, support community engagement, and encourage broader participation in the gaming ecosystem. Industry research across Africa has consistently shown that gaming communities scale fastest when access barriers are reduced and social interaction is encouraged. The new bundle is positioned to give players greater confidence to download updates, participate in scrimmages, stream tournaments, and stay connected with friends without worrying about exhausting their monthly data too quickly. The partnership also aligns with PUBG MOBILE’s wider esports expansion efforts. Global publisher KRAFTON has been growing the title’s competitive and social footprint, with upcoming international events such as the PUBG MOBILE Global Championship (PMGC), African representation at global tournaments, and offline fan engagements planned in Kenya.