Kenya’s leading telecommunications company, Safaricom, has launched a nationwide celebration to mark its 24th anniversary whilst announcing an impressive annual profit of over Ksh 37 billion.
The mobile operator, which began its operations in 1999, has unveiled a comprehensive celebration programme themed “24 Years of Transforming Lives” that will traverse the country, engaging customers and stakeholders in various regions.
During the announcement made at the company’s headquarters in Nairobi, Safaricom revealed that the anniversary celebrations would feature special rewards for its loyal customers across its diverse product offerings.
Peter Ndegwa, CEO at Safaricom.courtesy photo
In a significant move to appreciate its customer base, the telco is offering complimentary data bundles to subscribers. Additionally, M-PESA users will benefit from transaction fee refunds as part of the celebration package.
The company’s Chief Executive Officer highlighted the significance of this milestone, noting that Safaricom has grown from a simple mobile service provider to become an integral part of Kenyan society.
“Our journey over the past 24 years has been remarkable. We have evolved from providing basic telephony services to becoming a technology company that has transformed how Kenyans live, work, and conduct business,” the CEO stated.
The financial results released alongside the anniversary celebrations showed a 3.5% year-on-year growth in profits, with the company attributing this success to strategic customer segmentation and continued investment in technology infrastructure.
Speaking during the launch of the celebration caravan, company officials revealed that the nationwide tour would serve as an opportunity to connect with customers at the grassroots level and gather feedback on their services.
The anniversary celebrations will include roadshows, customer engagement forums, and corporate social responsibility activities across all 47 counties in Kenya.
Safaricom’s impact on the Kenyan economy has been substantial, with its M-PESA platform revolutionising financial services and increasing financial inclusion across the country.
The company’s growth strategy has focused on diversifying its revenue streams beyond traditional voice and SMS services, with significant investments in data services, mobile money, and enterprise solutions.
Industry analysts note that Safaricom’s success story represents one of Africa’s most remarkable corporate achievements, having grown from a state-owned telecommunications department to become East Africa’s most profitable company.
The nationwide celebration tour will feature interactive sessions with customers, showcasing the company’s journey and innovations that have shaped Kenya’s digital landscape over the past two decades.
Local communities will benefit from various corporate social responsibility initiatives planned as part of the anniversary celebrations, including support for education, health, and environmental conservation projects.
The company also announced plans to strengthen its network infrastructure and expand its 5G coverage as part of its commitment to enhancing digital connectivity across the country.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we are also looking ahead to the next chapter of our journey. Our focus remains on leveraging technology to solve real societal challenges and create opportunities for millions of Kenyans,” a company spokesperson said.
The anniversary celebrations come at a time when the telecommunications sector is experiencing rapid technological changes and increasing competition.
Despite these challenges, Safaricom’s financial performance demonstrates its resilience and ability to adapt to changing market dynamics.
The company’s customer-centric approach and investment in innovation have been key drivers of its sustained growth and market leadership position.
Looking ahead, Safaricom has outlined plans to further expand its digital ecosystem and enhance its contribution to Kenya’s digital economy.
The 24th-anniversary celebrations will continue throughout the year, with various events and initiatives planned to engage different stakeholders across the country.