Safaricom has officially crossed the 50 million customer mark in Kenya. This is more than double the 24 million subscribers Airtel recently reported. This is a major milestone the telco has crossed just months before its 25th anniversary in October 2025.
This milestone cements Safaricom’s status as Kenya’s most influential technology and telecommunications company.
“We are honoured by the trust that over 50 million Kenyans have placed in us,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom PLC. “As we approach our silver jubilee, we recommit ourselves to always being a force for good and creating what’s next for our customers.”
Safaricom’s rise from just 17,000 customers in 2000 to more than 50 million today mirrors the evolution of Kenya’s mobile and digital economy. The company has introduced innovative services like M-PESA, Sambaza, and M-PESA Sokoni over the years. It has also expanded mobile internet access through 3G, 4G, and now 5G, which is available in most major towns.
A Year-Long Campaign to Celebrate Customers
The company has been celebrating Kenyans with rewards and experiences under the “Sambaza Furaha” campaign through on-ground activations and digital outreach activities.
Safaricom’s expansion into Ethiopia has also been noteworthy. As of July 2025, the company had surpassed 10 million customers in that market as recently reported by TechArena.
Impact on the Economy
In its last financial year, Safaricom contributed an estimated KES 722 billion to the Kenyan economy, supporting over 1.28 million jobs. The Safaricom and M-PESA Foundations have over the years supported more than 8 million Kenyans in key areas like education, health, and entrepreneurship.
What is Next?
As Safaricom celebrates 25 years, we are keen to see what the next chapter holds. I expect the telco to focus on personalized experiences, next-gen infrastructure and digital inclusion. These are the steps that will help it grow further. M-Pesa has already celebrated 18 years, as we already informed you. Keep it here to learn more about the steps Safaricom takes going forward.
Also Read: Are M-Pesa Fees Too High? A Look at the True Cost of Mobile Money in Kenya
