Vodacom has officially taken control of Safaricom following the completion of its acquisition of an additional stake in the mobile network operator. This move marks a significant shift in Kenya’s telecommunications landscape, as Vodacom now holds a controlling interest in Safaricom, which is widely regarded as a cornerstone of the country’s digital economy. The acquisition brings Vodacom’s total ownership to over 55 percent, effectively granting it majority control over the largest mobile provider in East Africa.
The deal follows the government’s decision to sell its remaining 15 percent stake in Safaricom to Vodacom. This transaction reduces the state’s ownership from 35 percent to 20 percent, significantly altering the balance of power within the company. According to reports, the government sold around six billion shares at a price of Sh34 per share. However, critics argue that this valuation is well below the estimated fair market value of Sh57.90 per share, as determined by expert testimony presented in court.
Opposition figures have raised serious concerns regarding the legality and transparency of the sale. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka criticized the transaction, calling it an “economic abduction” and questioning the government’s motives. He emphasized that the sale took place while a constitutional petition challenging the transaction remained under consideration by the High Court. Kalonzo noted that the court had previously issued conservatory orders to halt the sale until the case was resolved. These orders were lifted on June 26, 2026, prompting him to question the urgency with which the government finalized the deal.
Kalonzo highlighted the strategic importance of Safaricom, particularly due to its role in Kenya’s digital ecosystem. As the primary driver of M-Pesa, the nation’s leading mobile money platform, Safaricom plays a crucial role in facilitating financial transactions, providing communication infrastructure, and supporting public services. The opposition leader warned that the government’s decision to divest its stake could undermine these critical functions and deprive the country of a steady revenue stream.
According to Kalonzo, the government’s previous 35 percent stake in Safaricom yielded an annual dividend of approximately Sh16 billion. He questioned the rationale behind selling off this valuable asset, especially given the potential for continued profitability. Instead of securing long-term benefits, he suggested that the government opted for a short-term financial gain, receiving a lump sum equivalent to only a few years of dividend returns. This, he argued, represents a misstep in fiscal policy that could have lasting consequences for Kenya’s economy.
Despite the controversy surrounding the sale, Vodacom’s increased stake is expected to bring about changes in Safaricom’s governance and operations. With majority control, Vodacom will likely exert greater influence over strategic decisions, including investment in technology, expansion plans, and partnerships. Analysts suggest that this shift could lead to increased competition in the telecommunications sector, potentially driving innovation and improved services for consumers.
The legal challenge against the sale remains unresolved, with the High Court set to deliver its verdict within the next two weeks. If the court rules against the transaction, the implications could be far-reaching, potentially requiring the reversal of the sale or further legal action. Meanwhile, the opposition has indicated its willingness to take the matter to higher courts if necessary, ensuring that the dispute continues to attract attention and scrutiny.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders across the political spectrum are watching closely. The outcome of the legal proceedings will determine whether the government’s decision stands or faces reversal. Regardless of the result, the sale of Safaricom’s stake has already sparked a broader debate about transparency, accountability, and the management of national assets. For now, the focus remains on the upcoming court ruling, which could shape the future of Kenya’s telecommunications industry and its relationship with foreign investors.
2 informaciones
The StandardAfín a un partidoIzquierdaVeracidad 85Objetividad 70hace 22 hWiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka criticized the Kenyan government for selling a 15% stake in Safaricom PLC to Vodacom, calling the move an 'economic abduction.' He raised concerns about the timing of the sale, which occurred while a constitutional petition challenging the transaction remained pending in the High Court. Kalonzo noted that the High Court had previously issued orders halting the sale until the court ruled on the petition. He argued that the government acted hastily after the Court of Appeal lifted these orders, questioning the urgency to finalize the deal before the court’s decision. Kalonzo emphasized Safaricom's critical role in Kenya's digital economy, particularly through M-Pesa, and claimed the shares were undervalued, estimating their fair market price higher than the sale price. He also questioned the economic logic of divesting a profitable asset ahead of a potential dividend payout.
Lectura del sesgo (Izquierda): The article presents strong criticism of the government's actions regarding the sale of Safaricom, using terms like 'economic abduction' and highlighting concerns about transparency, valuation, and constitutional compliance. The framing emphasizes the opposition's perspective, suggesting the sale is
Por qué estas puntuaciones (Veracidad 85 · Objetividad 70): Factuality is high as the article accurately reports Kalonzo Musyoka's criticism of the sale and provides details about the legal challenges. Objectivity is lower due to the emotionally charged language like 'national abduction' and the focus on political criticism rather than neutral reporting.
Daily NationIndependienteCentroVeracidad 70Objetividad 65hace 5 dVodacom ha completado la adquisición de una participación adicional en Safaricom, dándole el control de la propiedad de la compañía de telecomunicaciones. El acuerdo marca un cambio significativo en el panorama de la red móvil de Kenia, ya que Vodacom ahora tiene una participación mayoritaria en Safaricom. Este movimiento se produce en medio de la competencia en curso en el sector de telecomunicaciones de Kenia, con otros jugadores importantes como Telkom Kenia y Airtel también activos en el mercado. Se espera que la adquisición mejore la influencia de Vodacom en la prestación de servicios, estrategias de precios y avances tecnológicos en la región.
Lectura del sesgo (Centro): El artículo presenta una actualización de los hechos sobre una transacción corporativa sin favorecer abiertamente ninguna ideología o agenda política. Se centra en la finalización de un acuerdo comercial y sus implicaciones para la industria de las telecomunicaciones, sin tomar una postura clara sobre los impactos económicos o regulatorios más amplios.
Por qué estas puntuaciones (Veracidad 70 · Objetividad 65): Factuality is moderate as it confirms the completion of the acquisition but lacks context about the legal disputes and political implications. Objectivity is low due to the brief and potentially biased headline that suggests Vodacom's control without nuance.
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