Nairobi – Safaricom PLC (NSE: SCOM) has today marked its Silver Jubilee, celebrating 25 years of operations since its official launch on October 23, 2000.
Since its inception, Safaricom Kenya has evolved from a pioneering mobile service provider into a purpose-led technology company, transforming lives through connectivity, mobile money innovation, and digital inclusion.
“Today, we are not only celebrating 25 years of existence, but also 25 years of connecting and transforming the lives of millions of Kenyans and people across the region. From the first mobile call made on our network in 2000 to becoming a key driver of Kenya’s digital economy, our story has been one of innovation, inclusion, and impact.
We are deeply grateful to our customers who have walked this incredible journey with us. As we look to the future, we remain committed to driving digital transformation, supporting enterprise, and empowering communities to thrive in a connected world,”
said Dr. Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom PLC.
Over the past two and a half decades, Safaricom’s growth has been driven by innovation, partnerships, and customer trust. The company recently achieved a major milestone, surpassing 50 million mobile customers in Kenya, a reflection of its strong market presence and customer loyalty.
Through M-PESA, Safaricom’s flagship mobile money platform, the company has redefined financial services in Africa. With over 35 million active users, M-PESA has accelerated financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and economic growth, reinforcing Safaricom’s role as a leader in digital financial innovation.
Safaricom has also continued to expand its network infrastructure, ensuring reliable and affordable connectivity across the country. The rollout of 5G technology in Kenya has positioned Safaricom as a regional leader in digital innovation, offering faster internet speeds, powering smart technologies, and enabling seamless access to government services online.
In 2022, Safaricom expanded beyond Kenya’s borders by launching Safaricom Ethiopia, introducing M-PESA and other mobile innovations to new markets. By August 2025, Safaricom Ethiopia had grown to over 10 million customers, underscoring the company’s successful regional growth strategy and contribution to Ethiopia’s digital and financial inclusion agenda.
True to its purpose of Transforming Lives, Safaricom continues to invest in community development through the Safaricom Foundation and M-PESA Foundation. These initiatives focus on health, education, environmental conservation, and youth empowerment, positively impacting millions of lives and advancing sustainable development in Kenya.
As Safaricom marks 25 years of innovation, the company remains at the heart of Kenya’s digital transformation journey, connecting people, powering businesses, and shaping the future of technology in Africa.