#Safaricom

Safaricom PLC reported a strong financial performance for the fiscal year ending March 2026, highlighting its status as a leading company on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The Group achieved higher revenue, improved profitability, and stronger returns for shareholders, driven by growth in Kenya's mobile data and M-Pesa services, along with positive developments in other areas.

Safaricom has addressed concerns raised by a customer on social media regarding the premature depletion of data bundles before midnight, despite their validity. The customer reported that their monthly bundle appeared active and valid until midnight but was exhausted earlier. Safaricom's explanation aims to clarify the situation surrounding data usage and validity.

Kenya has solidified its status as a leading digital financial market, bolstered by widespread mobile money adoption and a growing cashless payment ecosystem. The mobile merchant payments sector has seen consistent growth, primarily fueled by Safaricom's Lipa na M-Pesa platform, which has significantly enhanced mobile retail transaction volumes.

Safaricom has clarified that customers using its Fuliza service can request a reduction in their overdraft limit. This announcement follows inquiries from users who were assigned higher limits than anticipated. The clarification aims to address customer concerns regarding the adjustment of their Fuliza limits, ensuring users are informed about their options.

Mbadi defended the sale of Safaricom's stake, stating that the proceeds will be used to fund infrastructure projects rather than the budget. He responded to opposition criticism by asserting that the divestiture was a planned policy decision made in compliance with the law, following the Court of Appeal's lifting of conservatory orders that had previously paused the transaction.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has explained the government's decision to reduce its stake in Safaricom from 35 percent to 20 percent, stating that the government was already a minority shareholder prior to this transaction. He addressed the press on July 4, defending the move as part of the government's strategy regarding its investment in the telecommunications company.

The National Treasury of Kenya is set to receive Sh204.3 billion from the sale of a 20 percent stake in Safaricom, according to Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi. The government sold over 6 billion ordinary shares to Vodacom at Sh34 per share, following a Court of Appeal ruling that cleared the deal. This acquisition increases Vodacom's ownership in Safaricom PLC to 55 percent, establishing it as the majority shareholder.

On June 30, 2026, Vodacom Group of South Africa finalized the acquisition of a 15 percent stake in Safaricom Plc, marking the largest transaction in the history of the Nairobi Securities Exchange. This deal has raised concerns as it is reported that KES 437 billion was left unclaimed, and the CEO of Safaricom has remained silent throughout the process, according to Kenya Insights.

Vodacom has gained majority control of Safaricom, acquiring a 55% stake in the company. This development comes alongside the Communications Authority's decision to penalise telecommunications companies for subpar service. Additionally, MTN has stated that protests regarding migration have not affected its operations, according to Techpoint Africa.

On June 30, 2026, Vodacom Group finalized its acquisition of a 15 percent stake in Safaricom Plc, marking the largest transaction in the history of the Nairobi Securities Exchange. This deal concluded despite efforts from courts and petitioners to delay it, raising concerns among the public regarding the implications of the sale and the lack of communication from Safaricom's CEO.

Safaricom has alerted customers about a fraudulent website impersonating its Ziidi Trader investment platform. In a notice issued on Tuesday, the company emphasized that ziiditrader.com is not an official Safaricom site and is not affiliated with its M-PESA investment services.

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has outlined the requirements for Starlink to enter the South African market. This announcement is part of a broader discussion on recent developments in the region, including a Kenyan court's approval of Safaricom's $1.6 billion sale to Vodacom and Mastercard's establishment of a cybersecurity hub in Africa, as reported by Techpoint Africa.

Kenyan billionaire Joshua Chepkwony's company, EADAK Limited, has successfully assembled 700,000 smartphones in its first year of operations. This achievement was made possible through a partnership with Safaricom.

Safaricom has provided guidance for M-Pesa users on how to increase their Fuliza limits and avoid reductions. The company shared tips aimed at helping customers enhance their eligibility for the Fuliza service.

Safaricom's smartphone factory in Kenya assembled approximately 700,000 devices in its first year of operation, contributing to increased access to technology in the region. The factory also created around 300 jobs, highlighting the impact of local manufacturing on employment. This development is part of a broader narrative focusing on connectivity rather than just device specifications, according to Vodacom Group's FY2026 integrated report.

According to Tech-ish, Safaricom's Ziidi funds have accumulated nearly KES 20 billion within the M-PESA platform. The report discusses the recent shift in savings, the opt-in gap for users, and the low yields associated with these funds.

Safaricom's Pochi La Biashara is a mobile money service designed to support small and medium-sized businesses in Kenya. It offers various features, charges, and benefits tailored to entrepreneurs, including those in sectors like retail and transportation. The service aims to streamline cash flow management for users as their businesses expand, addressing common financial challenges faced by business owners, according to Tech-ish.