Safaricom reshapes board with Vodacom Group executive appointments

Safaricom PLC is restructuring its Board of Directors with the appointment of two senior Vodacom Group executives, Mariam Cassim and Matimba Mbungela. The appointments, effective August 13, 2026, are subject to regulatory approval.

Mariam Cassim, currently the Chief Executive Officer of FinTech at Vodacom Group, brings expertise in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and digital financial services. Her role is expected to support Safaricom’s growth in areas like M-PESA. Matimba Mbungela, Vodacom Group’s Chief Officer of Human Resources, will provide expertise in organizational leadership and digital transformation.

These changes follow a shift in Safaricom’s ownership structure. After the Government of Kenya sold a 15% stake to Vodafone Kenya and Vodacom acquired Vodafone Group’s remaining interest, Vodacom’s effective stake in Safaricom rose to approximately 55%. While Safaricom’s executive leadership under CEO Peter Ndegwa remains unchanged, these board appointments represent a governance transition that aligns the company’s leadership more closely with its majority shareholder.