Kenya finalises Safaricom stake sale as Vodacom takes 55% control

O’hayo,

Victoria from Techpoint here,

Here’s what I’ve got for you today:

• Vodacom gains majority control of Safaricom
• CA moves to penalise telcos for poor service
• MTN says migration protests haven’t hit operations

Vodacom gains majority control of Safaricom

Vodacom has officially taken majority control of Safaricom after completing its $2.1-billion acquisition of the Kenyan government’s 15% stake in the telecom giant, just days after the Court of Appeal cleared the long-delayed transaction. The deal, completed on June 30, increases Vodacom’s shareholding from 35% to 55%, making the South African operator the controlling shareholder in East Africa’s largest telecom company. Kenya’s Treasury is expected to receive KSh 204.3 billion from the sale, alongside a KSh 40.2 billion dividend top-up backed by its remaining 20% stake in Safaricom.

The acquisition marks one of the biggest telecom transactions in Africa in recent years and gives Vodacom greater influence over Safaricom’s future strategy, including its fast-growing operations in Ethiopia and the expansion of M-Pesa across the region. While Safaricom will remain listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange and the Kenyan government will keep a 20% stake and board representation, majority ownership gives Vodacom a stronger say in major corporate decisions. The company says the acquisition aligns with its long-term strategy of expanding digital and financial inclusion across Africa.

The road to closing the deal was anything but smooth. Vodacom first announced plans in December 2025 to buy the government’s 15% holding and an additional 5% stake from Vodafone International Holdings in a transaction valued at about $2.1 billion. However, the sale became entangled in court after legal challenges…