Safaricom PLC has announced an improved interim dividend for the 2026 financial year, offering shareholders a higher payout compared to the previous year.

In a notice issued on Thursday, February 5, 2026, the telecommunications giant said its Board of Directors approved the payment of an interim dividend of Ksh 0.85 per ordinary share for the year ending March 31, 2026. This is an increase from the Ksh 0.55 interim dividend paid out in the previous year.

The decision was made during a board meeting held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

“The Board of Safaricom PLC is pleased to announce that at its meeting held on 4th February 2026, it was resolved to approve the payment of an interim dividend of Ksh. 0.85 per ordinary share for the year ending 31st March 2026,” read part of the notice.

Safaricom Announces Improved Interim Dividend

According to the announcement, the interim dividend will be payable to shareholders whose names appear on Safaricom’s register of members at the close of business on February 25, 2026. Payments are expected to be made on or about March 31, 2026.

Safaricom PLC, which is listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, noted that the announcement was issued with the approval of the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) in line with the Capital Markets (Securities) (Public Offers, Listing and Disclosures) Regulations, 2023.

However, the notice clarified that CMA  does not take responsibility for the accuracy of the statements contained in the announcement, stressing that the content remains the responsibility of Safaricom PLC as a listed company.

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About Interim Dividend Payout

An interim dividend is a payment that a company makes to its shareholders before the company’s full-year financial results are finalised. It is usually based on the company’s performance for a part of the financial year.

• An interim dividend serves several important purposes for a company and its shareholders:
• It allows shareholders to receive a portion of the company’s profits before the full-year results are announced, providing them with an early return on their investment. 
• Paying an interim dividend demonstrates the company’s confidence in its cash flow and profitability, which can enhance investor confidence and attract new investors.
•  Regular dividends, including interim ones, encourage shareholders to hold onto their shares and remain loyal to the company.

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•  By showing consistent returns, interim dividends can help support the company’s stock price and reduce market volatility.
• Interim dividends are paid before year-end results, giving companies flexibility to distribute profits gradually rather than waiting for the final accounts.

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Photo of Safaricom Headquarters in Nairobi. PHOTO/NMG