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SAFARICOM
Powering Kenya’s Digital Transformation
Safaricom is Kenya’s largest telecommunications provider and a central part of the country’s digital economy. Since its inception in 2000, the company has grown into a technology ecosystem that connects over 50 million customers, while supporting financial inclusion, enterprise growth and everyday transactions. Its mission to transform lives is evident in how people communicate, pay, save, borrow and invest.
Under the leadership of Dr. Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom has continued to deliver strong financial performance, with revenue reaching Kshs 113.8 billion in HY26, reflecting a 10.6% growth. This performance is driven by widespread adoption of its services and their relevance in day-to-day life across the country.
At the center of this impact is M-PESA, which serves over 38 million active customers. The platform processes billions of transactions annually, with a total value of KSh 28 trillion. These numbers show just how deeply M-PESA is woven into daily life. Customers rely on it to pay for goods and services, send money, run businesses and manage household expenses. For many small businesses and informal traders, it is the primary way they receive payments and keep operations running.
M-PESA has also extended its reach beyond Kenya through GlobalPay, enabling diaspora customers to send money home with ease. These remittances play a meaningful role in supporting families and contributing to local investments.
For small businesses, tools like Pochi la Biashara are addressing a long-standing challenge, the security of payments. The service prohibits customers from reversing transactions once done. Additionally, business owners can separate personal and business finances in a single wallet. By giving entrepreneurs, a simple way to manage income and expenses, the product is helping them operate with greater structure, build trust with customers and better understand their financial position.
Access to credit has become more flexible through Fuliza, an overdraft facility integrated within M-PESA. Fuliza allows users to complete transactions even when their account balance is low, offering short-term credit that keeps businesses and households running. For small traders, this means the ability to restock, pay suppliers or serve customers without interruption. For the everyday mwananchi, it means access to quick and reliable credit delivered with dignity.
Safaricom’s expansion into insurance and wealth solutions is reshaping how Kenyans protect their income and build for the future. Products such as Tunza Mapato are designed with the realities of everyday earners in mind, offering income protection for individuals and small business owners whose livelihoods depend on daily cash flow. Whether it’s a trader, a boda boda rider, or a freelancer, Tunza Mapato provides a safety net that helps cushion against unexpected disruptions, giving users greater financial confidence and stability.
On the wealth side, Ziidi is opening access to money market funds in a simple and accessible way. Customers can save directly from their phones, earn returns on their balances and build a financial buffer over time without the complexity that has traditionally been associated with investment products. This ease of access is encouraging a stronger savings culture, particularly among the youth. As customers grow their savings, Ziidi Trader provides a natural next step, enabling them to invest in listed companies on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. This progression from saving to investing is creating a more inclusive investment journey, where individuals can actively participate in the growth of Kenyan businesses and the broader economy. Today, over 60% of daily trades on the Nairobi Securities Exchange are executed through Ziidi Trader, reflecting strong uptake and a shift towards more accessible, mobile-first investing.
Alongside financial services, Safaricom continues to strengthen connectivity across the country. Investments in 4G and 5G infrastructure are improving internet access in urban and peri-urban areas, while enterprise solutions in cloud computing, IoT and cybersecurity are supporting businesses as they digitize their operations.
Even in a competitive market, Safaricom continues to lead through strong customer trust and reliable network coverage. Its integrated approach brings together connectivity, financial services and enterprise solutions which allows it to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Looking ahead, Safaricom is focused on expanding digital infrastructure across different markets.
Their story is ultimately one of impact seen in everyday transactions and in the financial confidence of millions of Kenyans.
