About Safaricom
Safaricom is a leading telecommunications company based in Kenya, offering a wide range of services including mobile voice, data, and mobile money solutions.
| Legal Name | Safaricom PLC |
|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1997 (28 Years Ago) |
Company History
Safaricom was established in 1997 as a subsidiary of Telkom Kenya, focusing on providing mobile voice services. In its early years, the company quickly became a key player in the Kenyan telecommunications sector by expanding its mobile network and offering affordable services to the growing mobile market. In 2000, Safaricom was separated from Telkom Kenya and became a fully independent company. This transition marked the beginning of its aggressive expansion across Kenya, further establishing its presence as a dominant mobile provider.
One of the most significant milestones in Safaricom's history came in 2007 when it introduced M-Pesa, a mobile money service that allowed users to send and receive money using their mobile phones. This innovation played a crucial role in improving financial inclusion in Kenya, especially for those without access to traditional banking. Safaricom continued to grow and evolve, and in 2008, it went public, listing its shares on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. Today, Safaricom is the largest telecommunications company in Kenya, offering a wide range of services to millions of customers.
Products and Services
Safaricom offers a broad array of products and services designed to meet the needs of individual customers and businesses. These include mobile voice, data, and broadband internet services, as well as mobile money solutions. Additionally, the company provides digital entertainment services and offers enterprise-level solutions, such as cloud hosting and business connectivity. Safaricom continues to innovate, expanding its services to include newer technologies like 5G and providing solutions for diverse sectors of the economy.
Safaricom Products and Services:
- Mobile voice services
- Mobile data services (including 4G and 5G)
- M-Pesa (mobile money platform)
- Home internet services (Fibre and 4G)
- Business solutions (cloud hosting, ICT services)
- Digital entertainment (music, gaming, and video services)
- E-commerce services
- Corporate social responsibility initiatives (Safaricom Twaweza)
These offerings have enabled Safaricom to maintain its market dominance while adapting to the evolving needs of its customers. With an expanding range of digital solutions, the company has become a central part of daily life in Kenya.
The Role of M-Pesa in Kenya’s Economy
M-Pesa, introduced by Safaricom in 2007, has had a transformative effect on Kenya’s economy, particularly in the area of financial inclusion. Through M-Pesa, millions of people have gained access to financial services that were once out of reach, especially in rural areas where banking infrastructure was limited. The platform has become an essential tool for sending money, paying bills, and even accessing loans.
Safaricom’s Contribution to Digital Transformation in Kenya
Safaricom has played a significant role in driving Kenya’s digital transformation. By expanding internet access, providing mobile broadband, and offering new digital services, Safaricom has helped connect millions of people to the global digital economy. The company’s initiatives in education, business, and healthcare have contributed to the country’s growing digital infrastructure.