Safaricom soars past 50M customers, eyes Silver Jubilee fete

Safaricom soars past 50M customers, eyes Silver Jubilee fete

Dr. Peter Ndegwa, Group CEO, Safaricom PLC

Dr. Peter Ndegwa, Group CEO, Safaricom PLC

In a country where mobile connectivity weaves networks across activities of daily lives, Safaricom PLC has announced a historic milestone, crossing the 50 million subscriber mark even as the telco celebrates 25 years of business and social impact.

As the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE)-listed company readies the stage to celebrate its 25th anniversary in October 2025, the regional telco attributes the achievement to its legacy of innovation, reshaping lives and forging inclusive digital and financial ecosystems that pulse through Kenya’s heart.

“We are honoured by the trust that over 50 million Kenyans have placed in us. This milestone reflects the deep connection we have built with Kenyans over the past two and a half decades, and as we approach our silver jubilee, we recommit ourselves to always being a force for good and creating what’s next for our customers,” said Dr. Peter Ndegwa, Group CEO, Safaricom PLC. 

Over the past year, Safaricom has accelerated its focus on customer engagement and experience, through initiatives such as Sambaza Furaha and M-PESA Sokoni, which have helped the company to “say thank you” and bring services and joy closer to customers across the country. 

From just 17,000 customers when it began in 2000 to now serving over 50 million, Safaricom says its journey is deeply intertwined with the story of modern Kenya, one of innovation, resilience, and progress.

In the trading period ended 31st March, 2025, Safaricom PLC announced 11.2 percent increase in total revenue to KES388.7 billion (US$3 billion)—a first in the East and Central Africa region—with net income also accelerating by 10.8 percent to KES69.8 billion.

Beyond Kenya, the company has successfully expanded its operations into Africa’s second most populous country Ethiopia, where it reported surpassing 10 million customers early this month.

This rapid growth in a new market underscores Safaricom’s vision to become Africa’s leading purpose-led technology company by 2030, the firm stated.

“Our journey has always been about putting customers first, and this achievement is a direct reflection of that dedication. Looking ahead, our next chapter will be about deepening impact, personalising customer experiences, and driving Kenya’s digital transformation agenda,” added Dr. Ndegwa.Safaricom PLC in Chaka

Since its inception, Safaricom has reshaped Kenya’s digital landscape through groundbreaking innovations such as cash transfer platform M-PESA. 

In the financial year ended March 31, 2025, M-PESA revenue increased by 15.2 percent YoY to KES161.1 billion, contributing 44.2 percent of the Kenya unit’s service income. 

The growth in M-PESA was driven by diversification beyond payments, accelerated consumer and business payments with a growing focus on wealth management and credit solutions, Safaricom said. 

Since its establishment, the company has driven connectivity advancements, rolling out 3G, 4G, and 5G networks while delivering high-speed internet to homes and businesses across the nation. 

In its latest financial disclosures, Safaricom’s connectivity business in Kenya increased by 6.5 percent to report KES185.2 billion, which was 50.8 percent of the company's total service revenue. 

Safaricom attributed this growth in connectivity growth to uptick in mobile data revenue which grew by 15.2 percent to KES72.9 billion as a result of increased 4G uptake, while voice revenue bucked global trends to expand by 1.6 percent to KES80.8 billion during the year under focus.

Beyond its technological strides, Safaricom remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s economic and social progress, contributing KES722 billion to the economy last year and sustaining over 1.28 million jobs. 

Through the Safaricom and M-PESA Foundations, over 8 million Kenyans have accessed transformative community initiatives, enhancing education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

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