Safaricom PLC has surpassed 50 million customers on its Kenyan mobile network, affirming its position as East Africa’s largest telecommunications provider.
- •This milestone, announced today, underscores Safaricom’s growth from just 17,000 subscribers in 2000 to a market leader with a 63.3% share in Kenya’s telecom sector.
- •In the last financial year, the company contributed KSh 722 billion to Kenya’s economy and sustained over 1.28 million jobs.
- •The telco, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary in October 2025, is deeply intertwined with Kenya’s digital transformation.
The company pioneered M-PESA in 2007, which is now a global benchmark for financial inclusion. Additionally, it has led the way in deploying 3G, 4G, and 5G networks, alongside high-speed internet for homes and businesses. In the last financial year, for example, Safaricom added 1.7 million mobile subscribers and 56,000 fixed internet subscribers.
“This milestone reflects the deep connection we have built with Kenyans over the past two and a half decades, Furthermore, we are honored by the trust of over 50 million customers and are committed to being a force for good as we shape Kenya’s future.”
said Dr. Peter Ndegwa, Group CEO, Safaricom PLC.
Beyond Kenya, Safaricom’s growth is extending to new markets, beginning with its first foray out of Kenya into Ethiopia. There, its subsidiary has rapidly scaled its operations, surpassing 10 million customers by July 2025.
The milestone coincides with renewed competition in Kenya, which has seen its market share drop to 63.3% in 2025. Its closest competitor, Airtel Kenya, while still holding market share below 32.2%, has seen significant growth across most metrics.
In mobile money, for example, Safaricom’s M-Pesa market share in mobile money subscriptions declined to 90.8% in Q1 2025, continuing a six-quarter downtrend. In contrast, Airtel Money has steadily gained ground, capturing 9.1% of the market—its highest ever.
Kenya’s total mobile subscriptions rose to 76.16 million by March 2025, up from 71.38 million in the previous quarter.
