Safaricom Breaks Silence After Court Orders Reversal of Govt’s 15% Stake Sale to Vodacom

Safaricom has responded to the High Court judgment that nullified the sale of a 15 percent stake in the telecommunications company to Vodafone Kenya Limited, effectively part of the Vodacom Group.

In a notice dated September 16, the company said it had taken note of the High Court’s judgment delivered on September 15, 2026, concerning the government’s divestiture of its 15 percent shareholding in the company, and that it is reviewing the judgment and its implications as the legal process continues.

“Safaricom PLC (“Safaricom”) notes the High Court of Kenya’s judgment on 15th September 2026, regarding the Government of Kenya’s divestiture of 15% of its shareholding in Safaricom to Vodafone Kenya Limited and, effectively, Vodacom Group Limited, in which the Court has ruled against the divestiture,” read part of the notice.

Safaricom Speaks on High Court Judgment Over 15% Stake Sale to Vodafone.

Safaricom confirmed that the transaction involving the government’s 15 percent stake had already been completed on June 30, 2026.

According to the company, the transaction was completed after the Court of Appeal lifted conservatory orders and the relevant conditions precedent were fulfilled.

Also Read: Gov’t Suffers Major Blow as Court Cancels 15% Safaricom Stake Sale.

Following the decision, the stake was acquired by Vodafone Kenya Limited, which is part of the Vodacom Group.

“The transaction had been completed on 30th June 2026 following the lifting of conservatory orders by the Court of Appeal and the fulfilment of relevant conditions precedent,” Safaricom stated.

Additionally, Safaricom said it would continue monitoring the legal proceedings and provide further updates in due course.

The company also reaffirmed its commitment to its operations in Kenya and Ethiopia, saying it would continue connecting people and businesses to opportunities, empowering communities and addressing societal challenges through technology.

“As Safaricom, we will continue serving Kenya and Ethiopia by connecting people and businesses to opportunities, empowering communities, addressing societal challenges through technology, and most importantly transforming lives,” read part of the notice.

High Court Declares Stake Sale Unconstitutional

This development comes hours after the High Court ruled against the government’s 15 percent stake sale, declaring the divestiture unconstitutional and directing that the shares be restored to the Government of Kenya.

The High Court ruled that the government’s decision to sell the 15 percent stake was unconstitutional and violated existing laws.

The three-judge bench found that the proposed sale amounted to a public policy decision that required meaningful public participation before it could be implemented.

Also Read: Safaricom Introduces New Feature for Checking M-PESA Transaction and Withdrawal Fees Instantly-How it Works.

In addition, the judges held that both the Cabinet and the National Assembly failed to facilitate adequate public participation in the proposed sale, rendering the process null and void.

The court further faulted the government for failing to provide sufficient information to the public about the transaction, including the identity of the intended buyer.

The three-judge bench found that the government operated under what it described as “unexplained obscurity” by failing to disclose the identity of the intended buyer while also making misrepresentations and withholding key information about the proposed divestiture.

Therefore, the judges ruled that concealing or withholding crucial documents during a public participation process violated constitutional principles of transparency and accountability.

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