COMESA Sets Record Straight on Fining Airtel Kenya Ksh 7.8 Billion

The COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission (CCC) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that it fined Airtel Kenya Ksh 7.8 billion over alleged misleading mobile money transaction charges.

In a statement dated Friday, May 28 2026, the Commission said the social media post making the claims is false, misleading, and was not issued by the regional competition watchdog.

“The Commission categorically disassociates itself from the said post and urges members of the public to disregard it in its entirety,” the statement said.

Ongoing Airtel Investigation by COMESA

The Commission said it has not imposed any fine on Airtel Kenya and urged members of the public to ignore the publication.

COMESA clarified that its current dealings with Airtel Group are limited to an ongoing investigation into possible violations of Articles 27 and 28 of the COMESA Competition Regulations.

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According to the Commission, the investigation was announced on January 30, 2025, and focuses on Airtel Group’s international money transfer services in Kenya, Uganda and Malawi.

The regulator stressed that it has not issued any decision, finding or financial penalty against Airtel Kenya regarding either the allegations contained in the viral social media post or the ongoing investigation.

“The Commission will communicate the outcome of the investigation upon conclusion of all necessary investigative and procedural processes,” it said.

Public Warned Against Fake Information

COMESA also urged the public to rely only on information shared through its official and verified communication channels.

The Commission warned against the spread and use of unverified information falsely presented as official communication from the regulator.

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Further, COMESA said it takes seriously the illegal use of its name, the forgery of its letterhead, and the circulation of false information about its activities.

As a result, it is reviewing the source and circulation of the fake publication and may take legal action against individuals responsible for creating or sharing the misinformation.

What the Fake Document Claimed

The clarification comes after a viral social media post claimed that Airtel Kenya had been fined Ksh 7.8 billion.

The fake document claimed that Airtel Kenya displayed transaction charges that differed from the actual amounts charged to customers during failed Airtel Money transactions.

It also alleged that the company did not clearly tell customers about some of the fees and third parties involved in certain cross-border money transfers.

The document further claimed that COMESA had found Airtel Kenya guilty of breaking competition and consumer protection rules and had ordered the company to stop the alleged practices, be more open about Airtel Money charges, clearly show all fees, and take steps to comply with the regulations.

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Airtel employees serving customers at one of the company’s branches. PHOTO/Airtel