Safaricom PLC says it is reviewing the implications of a High Court ruling that nullified the Kenyan government’s sale of a 15 per cent stake in the telecommunications company to Vodacom Group.
In a public announcement dated September 15, Safaricom Company Secretary Linda Mesa Wambani said the company was assessing the judgment and its implications, noting that the transaction had already been completed on June 30, 2026, after the Court of Appeal lifted conservatory orders and the relevant conditions were fulfilled.
“Further updates” will be issued as appropriate, the company said.
The High Court, sitting as a three-judge bench, declared the Sh204.3 billion transaction invalid, null and void and ordered the 15 per cent stake to be restored to the Government of Kenya on behalf of the people.
“A declaration is hereby made that the 15 per cent shares subject of the partial divestiture having been transferred in contravention of the Constitution and the law are hereby restored to the ownership of the Government of Kenya on behalf of the people of Kenya,” the court ruled.
The court raised concerns over public participation, disclosure of material information, procurement procedures and national-security considerations surrounding the transaction. It also quashed approvals connected to the divestiture, including Sessional Paper No. 3 of 2025.
The government has already indicated that it will appeal the ruling. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said the government had filed a notice of appeal and would challenge the court’s findings through the appellate process.
The dispute therefore remains subject to further legal proceedings, leaving the final status of the 15 per cent stake unresolved.
Related: Kenya High Court Nullifies KSh204.3 Billion Safaricom Stake Sale to Vodacom
