Editor's Review

Safaricom PLC has responded after the High Court nullified the government’s divestiture of its 15 percent stake in the telecommunications company. 

Safaricom PLC has issued a response after the High Court nullified the government’s divestiture of its 15 percent stake in the telecommunications company. 

In a statement on Tuesday night, September 15, the telco said it is currently reviewing the judgment and its implications. 

Safaricom noted that the matter remains subject to ongoing legal processes.

“Safaricom PLC notes the High Court of Kenya’s judgment on 15th September 2026, regarding the Government of Kenya’s divestiture of 15% of its shareholding in Safaricom to Vodafone Kenya Limited and, effectively, Vodacom Group Limited, in which the Court has ruled against the divestiture,” the company stated. 

“Safaricom is reviewing the judgment and its implications. Given that the matter remains subject to legal processes, further updates will be provided in due course and as appropriate.” 

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File image of Safaricom offices along Waiyaki Way. 

According to Safaricom, the divestiture of the government’s 15 percent stake in the company was completed on June 30, 2026, following the lifting of conservatory orders by the Court of Appeal.

“The transaction had been completed on 30th June 2026 following the lifting of conservatory orders by the Court of Appeal and the fulfilment of relevant conditions precedent,” Safaricom stated. 

Further, Safaricom said it will continue serving its customers in Kenya and Ethiopia while the legal processes unfold.

“As Safaricom, we will continue serving Kenya and Ethiopia by connecting people and businesses to opportunities, empowering communities, addressing societal challenges through technology, and most importantly transforming lives,” the statement further read.

A three-judge bench on Tuesday declared the divestiture of the government’s 15 percent stake in Safaricom unconstitutional. 

The High Court ruled that the transaction violated the Constitution, citing inadequate public participation before the divestiture was undertaken.

"In light of our findings above, we hold that there was no reasonable, meaningful and purposive public participation in respect of the divestiture, thus violating Articles 10 and 118 of the Constitution," the three judge-bench ruled. 

The government had sold its 15 percent stake in Safaricom to Vodacom in a deal worth Ksh204.3 billion.