Author: David Indeje

Safaricom officially launched on 23rd October 2000 with just 17,000 subscribers. Over the past 25 years, it has grown into East Africa’s largest telecommunications and technology company, serving more than 60 million customers across Kenya and Ethiopia. From its early days as a mobile service provider, Safaricom has evolved into a purpose‑led technology powerhouse, spearheading innovations such as M‑PESA, Africa’s leading mobile money platform. Group CEO Peter Ndegwa reflected on the milestone: “This year marks our Silver Jubilee. We marked 25 years of transforming lives through innovation and empowerment.” Safaricom’s Projections for the Next 25 Years As Safaricom celebrates its…

Kenya and the United States have signed a landmark five‑year, $2.5 billion Health Cooperation Framework, positioning itself as the first African country to negotiate a new bilateral health partnership under Washington’s updated global health strategy. The agreement is one of the most consequential restructurings of external health financing in recent years. It comes after months of uncertainty following the recalibration of U.S. support for Kenya’s HIV, TB, and malaria programs, and amid growing national debate on sovereignty, privacy, and data governance. Key Provisions of the Framework U.S. Support: Up to USD 1.6–1.7 billion over five years for HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria,…

The Government of Kenya has announced plans to divest a 15 per cent stake in Safaricom Plc, valued at KES 240.5 billion, as part of a broader strategy to mobilise non-tax revenue and fund national infrastructure priorities. Transaction Overview Vodafone Kenya Limited (VK) will acquire 609,840,200 ordinary shares, equivalent to a 10% stake, from the Government of Kenya (GoK). This acquisition forms part of an internal reorganisation of Vodafone Kenya Limited. GoK, which has held its Safaricom stake since the 2008 IPO, will reduce its holding by 10% post-transaction, retaining a 25% strategic stake. VK already holds over 1.6 billion…

Safaricom PLC has announced a major restructuring of its shareholding structure following a proposed acquisition by Vodafone Kenya Limited. The move involves Vodafone Kenya acquiring 35% of Safaricom’s issued share capital from the Government of the Republic of Kenya, a transaction valued at KES 254.1 billion (approx. USD 1.65 billion). This acquisition will increase Vodafone Kenya’s holding in Safaricom to 40%, consolidating its position as a key strategic stakeholder. The transaction also includes an internal reorganisation, whereby Vodafone Kenya will transfer its entire shareholding in Safaricom to Vodafone International Holdings B.V. (VIHBV), a wholly owned subsidiary of Vodafone Group Plc,…

Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya’s economy, contributing about 22.5% of GDP in 2024 and employing over 40% of the total population and more than 70% of the rural populace, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). Despite this central role, farmers have long struggled with limited access to reliable and profitable markets, often relying on middlemen who erode their earnings. Stanbic Bank Kenya is rewriting this narrative through its OneFarm digital marketplace, a platform that connects farmers directly to buyers, integrates financing and insurance, and streamlines value chains across the country. By bridging the gap between production…

President William Ruto has renewed his push for private investment in Kenya’s road network, saying the country can no longer rely solely on the national budget or costly borrowing to deliver major infrastructure. Breaking Away from Traditional Funding Speaking at the launch of the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit and Nairobi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha dual-carriageway projects, Ruto said traditional funding models had slowed development and left Kenya “trapped between options that held back progress.” A single modern highway can consume nearly half of the annual development budget. Borrowing more would worsen Kenya’s debt burden. Raising taxes would “suffocate families.” “We must build differently, and we…