When Safaricom says its “True Value” hit KSh 1.1 trillion in FY2025, 16 times greater than its financial profit, the number may sound abstract. But behind it lies a profound statement about how corporate success in Kenya is being redefined.
The True Value Assessment, developed with KPMG, measures how much value Safaricom creates (or erodes) for society. This includes employment and innovation and even environmental stewardship. It represents more than shareholder profit and includes the impact the company has on its customers, communities and even the planet.
Safaricom’s KSh 1.1 trillion True Value is a great contribution to Kenya’s economy and society as it is more than the money it makes. The company generated KSh 809 billion in GDP impact. At the same time, it supported over 1.3 million jobs and disbursed nearly KSh 1 trillion in Fuliza and Digifarm loans. Most of these benefited small businesses, women and youth.
In essence, for every shilling of profit Safaricom earns, it creates sixteen shillings of shared value for the economy.
M-PESA
At the center of this ecosystem is M-PESA. This is responsible for KSh 407 billion in social value, about 40% of Safaricom’s total True Value.
That value doesn’t just come from transaction fees. it represents the improved lives of millions who now have safer, faster and more affordable ways to save, send and invest money.
Sustainability as Core Strategy
Unlike traditional CSR projects that sit on the periphery of operations, Safaricom’s sustainability goals are integrated into its business model. The company’s progress toward Net Zero by 2050 includes 2.3 million trees planted toward a 5-million target by 2030, 99% waste recycling, including e-waste and plastics and 1,432 solar-powered sites reducing diesel use.
Data Ethics and Governance
Safaricom’s ISO 27701 certification and 87% fraud reduction through AI-backed monitoring show its attempt to maintain user trust in an increasingly data-driven business. This is very important at the moment with increased cyber and fraud threats.
The company even detected poaching-related financial flows via M-PESA, leading to 14 cases reported. This is a good example of how technology can intersect with governance and wildlife protection.
Impact on the Economy
Safaricom’s KSh 1.1 trillion impact equals roughly 5% of Kenya’s GDP. Its initiatives cut across key SDGs such as quality education, gender equality, clean energy and reduced inequalities.
This kind of corporate accountability shifts the focus from “how much a company earns” to “how much it gives back”.
Safaricom’s report arrives at a time when ESG transparency is becoming a regulatory priority. Safaricom is setting a regional benchmark for corporate reporting with the inclusion of IFRS-aligned sustainability disclosures.
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