Safaricom, Kenya’s leading mobile network operator, has announced a major milestone—crossing the 50 million customer mark within its home market. The announcement, made on Thursday, comes as the company gears up to celebrate its 25th anniversary in October 2025.
According to a press release, this achievement is the result of a year-long customer engagement campaign launched in 2024, aimed at deepening relationships and enhancing service delivery across the country.
With Kenya’s population estimated at 53.3 million by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, Safaricom now serves 93.5% of the population, a staggering market penetration that underscores its dominance in the telecommunications sector.
This milestone reflects the deep connection we’ve built with Kenyans over the past two and a half decades. As we approach our silver jubilee, we recommit ourselves to being a force for good and creating what’s next for our customers.
Dr. Peter Ndegwa, Group CEO of Safaricom
A Journey Intertwined with Kenya’s Progress
Founded in 2000, Safaricom has grown alongside Kenya’s digital transformation. Its pioneering mobile money platform, M-PESA, revolutionized financial inclusion and has since evolved into a comprehensive digital financial ecosystem now operating in seven African countries.
Safaricom’s impact extends beyond mobile connectivity. The company has invested heavily in 3G, 4G, and 5G networks, and continues to expand high-speed internet access to homes and businesses across Kenya.
Regional Expansion and Vision for 2030
Safaricom’s growth story is no longer confined to Kenya. In Ethiopia, where it launched operations recently, the company has already surpassed 10 million customers as of July 2025. This rapid expansion highlights Safaricom’s ambition to become Africa’s leading purpose-driven technology company by 2030.
“Our journey has always been about putting customers first,” Ndegwa added. “This achievement is a reflection of that dedication. Looking ahead, we aim to deepen our impact, personalize customer experiences, and drive Kenya’s digital transformation agenda.”
Economic and Social Contributions
Safaricom’s influence extends well beyond telecommunications. In the last financial year, the company contributed KES 722 billion to the Kenyan economy and supported over 1.28 million jobs. Through the Safaricom and M-PESA Foundations, more than 8 million Kenyans have benefited from initiatives in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
As Safaricom prepares to celebrate 25 years of innovation and service, its latest milestone serves as a testament to its enduring commitment to customer-centric growth, technological advancement, and nation-building.
