Kenya High Court nullifies Safaricom 15% stake sale to Vodacom

Safaricom Vodacom High Court of Kenya divestiture public participation

The High Court of Kenya has declared the government’s sale of a 15% stake in Safaricom PLC to Vodacom Group Limited unconstitutional and null and void. A three-judge bench ruled on September 15, 2026, that the divestiture lacked meaningful public participation and transparency, noting that the government failed to adequately disclose the identity of the buyer and other material information.

The transaction, which was completed on June 30, 2026, was intended to raise approximately KSh 244.5 billion to seed the National Infrastructure Fund. The court has ordered that the shares be returned to the state. The ruling noted that the deal, when combined with other acquisitions, effectively gave Vodacom control over the telecommunications company.

In response, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi stated that the government will vigorously appeal the decision, maintaining that the sale followed all legal procedures and parliamentary scrutiny. Vodacom has also expressed its intention to appeal the ruling and seek a stay of enforcement. Safaricom PLC confirmed it is reviewing the judgment but will continue its operations in Kenya and Ethiopia during the legal proceedings.

Entities

Government of Kenya · High Court of Kenya · National Treasury · Safaricom plc · Vodacom Group · Vodacom Group Limited

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] The court found the government failed to adequately disclose the identity of the buyer and other material information. www.businesstechafrica.co.za · uzalendonews.co.ke · www.ecofinagency.com · techcentral.co.za
[● 7 SOURCES] The court ruled that the divestiture lacked meaningful and purposive public participation. nairobinews.co.ke · www.news9.africa · www.businesstechafrica.co.za · businesstoday.co.ke · uzalendonews.co.ke · +2 more
[● 3 SOURCES] The sale was intended to generate approximately KSh 244.5 billion to fund the National Infrastructure Fund. www.businesstechafrica.co.za · businesstoday.co.ke · www.ecofinagency.com
[● 7 SOURCES] The High Court declared the government’s sale of a 15% stake in Safaricom to Vodacom unconstitutional and null and void. nairobinews.co.ke · www.news9.africa · www.businesstechafrica.co.za · businesstoday.co.ke · uzalendonews.co.ke · +2 more
[● 3 SOURCES] The court ordered that the 15% stake be returned to the Kenyan government. www.businesstechafrica.co.za · www.ecofinagency.com · techcentral.co.za
[○ 1 SOURCE] Safaricom is reviewing the legal implications of the judgment and will continue serving customers in Kenya and Ethiopia. nairobinews.co.ke
[○ 1 SOURCE] National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi announced the government will appeal the court's decision. businesstoday.co.ke
[● 3 SOURCES] Vodacom intends to appeal the ruling and apply for a stay of enforcement. www.businesstechafrica.co.za · www.ecofinagency.com · techcentral.co.za