Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Newsblaze.co.ke
    • Home
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise With Us
    • Teachers’ Resources
    • Latest Education News
    • TSC News Portal
    • KUCCPS portal
    • Knec Schools Exams Portal
    • Search
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Newsblaze.co.ke
    Trending

    The journey of Safaricom in Kenya, When did Safaricom start operations in Kenya, What has Safaricom achieved in Kenya for the last 18 years.

    Hillary KangwanaBy Hillary KangwanaMay 31, 2025

    Yesterday, Safaricom celebrated its 18th birth day since it started telephony operations in Kenya. Today. we look at the history and evolution of the largest telecommunication company, in Kenya, by subscribers.

    The are Safaricom’s Key milestones in the last 18 years.

    • In 1997 – Safaricom launched as a subsidiary of Telkom Kenya with 17,000 customers.
    • 2000 – Vodafone acquires 40 per cent stake and management role (May); how you heard about the joint venture while in South Africa and applied for the job and got it; Safaricom sets up office in an apartment at Norfolk Towers.
    • 2000 – 55 employees deployed from Telkom; 9 sites in Nairobi; Safaricom launched as The Better Option (October), reduces the price of SIM cards to KES 2,500 and sponsors the inaugural Lewa Marathon.
    • 2001 – 0722 prefix launched.
    • 2002 – led the democratisation of mobile phone services with the introduction of low denomination airtime (KES 100 scratch card) and SIM cards at KES 99.
    • 2003 – introduced per second billing; launched Simu ya Jamii, a public-use phone which marked the drive into the mass market; launched the Safaricom Foundation and hit the one million customer mark in June that year.
    • 2004 – mobile Internet is launched, paving the way for a data revolution; customer base grew to two million (October) and profits hit KES 5 billion, unheard of at the time.
    • 2005 – launch of Sambaza, the immensely popular flashback (call me back) service; customer base grows to three million.
    • 2006 – Safaricom moves to its new corporate headquarters in Westlands and hits the five million subscriber mark in December of that year; staff numbers grow to 1,100.
    • 2007 – M-PESA is launched on 7th March 2007 and hits one million subscriber mark in November that year; Safaricom purchases country’s first 3G license, embraces green energy by launching solar and wind-powered base stations in Northern Kenya and Coast region.
    • 2008 – subscriber numbers hit 10M in March; Safaricom introduces East and Central Africa’s largest IPO at KES 5 per share. IPO is concluded in June and attracts KES 2.4 billion in investment, spreading the company’s shareholding to 750,000 individual shareholders.
    • 2009 – Safaricom launches Bamba 5 and Bamba 10 airtime scratch cards (the lowest denominations in the market); customer base grows to 15 million (December) and the company invests in Kenya’s pioneer undersea cable venture.
    • 2010 – subscriber numbers grow to 16 million, with post-pay customers at 140,000; 5 million Kenyans access the Internet through Safaricom’s network.
    • 2010 – online customer support launched (Twitter & Facebook); EBU launched to manage corporate and SME customers.
    • 2010 – profits hit KES 20.9 billion; first mobile bank account launched in partnership with Equity Bank, MPESA_FDN is launched; Safaricom takes over title sponsorship of annual Rugby Sevens; Bob Collymore takes over as CEO.
    • 2011 – Safaricom leads corporate Kenya in Kenyans For Kenya, a national fundraising campaign aimed at helping an estimated 3.5 million Kenyans facing starvation – the campaign raised over KES 680 million.
    • 2011 – Safaricom launches Lipa Karo, allowing learning institutions to receive school fees via M-PESA.
    • 2012 – M-PESA hits 15 million active users; Safaricom partners with CBA_Group_ to launch M-Shwari; launches Mkopa solar, a pay-as-you-go solar lighting kit and iCow, a USSD-based platform that provides dairy farmers with information to increase their profits.
    • 2013 – Safaricom launches its first sustainability report, becoming the first corporate entity in Kenya to do so.
    • 2013 – Lipa Na M-PESA is launched (June) allowing thousands of businesses in the country to accept cashless payments for the first time.
    • 2013 – Safaricom becomes the first company in Kenya to introduce customer service in the form of online self-care, and unveils the Safaricom Athletics Series.
    • 2014 – the value of M-PESA transactions exceeds KES 2.1 trillion, nearly half of Kenya’s GDP.
    • 2014 – M-Ledger introduced allowing users to track their M-PESA transactions.
    • 2014 – Safaricom launches Kenya’s first 4G network in Nairobi and Mombasa (December).
    • 2014 – USD 1 million Spark Venture Fund launched to invest in late seed to early growth stage start-ups that use mobile-based technology as an enabler. 5 start-ups invested in over the next 4 years Send Mobile, Eneza Education, Lynk, iProcure and Farm Drive.
    • 2014 – Safaricom launches an E-waste Management Programme and Children’s Rights Policy to further re-affirm its commitment to promoting and safeguarding the rights of the children.
    • 2014 – Safaricom launches the Safaricom International Jazz Festival.
    • 2015 – M-PESA comes home in April, with the relocation of servers from Germany to Kenya delivering higher, more efficient performance including the ability to handle over 900 transactions per second.
    • 2015 – Safaricom partners with KCB Group to launch KCB M-PESA, further deepening financial inclusion.
    • 2015 -Safaricom introduces a Diversity and Inclusion Programme aimed at achieving gender balance and creating a more inclusive workforce.
    • 2015 -Safaricom launches first True Value Report, detailing the company’s economic impact beyond its profits –report shows that Safaricom sustained 682,000 jobs and generated KES 315B in revenue to Kenya’s GDP, equivalent to 6% of the country’s GDP in FY 2014/2015
    • 2017- Safaricom launches the Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom Football tournament for the youth.

    You may also like:

    Safaricom to revise its Mobile tariffs upwards, tonight

    best buy Bitcoin calculator English Premier League entertainment fort tenan google translate Governor mwangi Wa iria Harambee stars home depot hotmail How to check airtel balance How to cook spaghetti How to download music How to write a report Instagram Kericho maps Mike Sonko Moi Day Murang’a news Okoth Obado Popular Telegram links Raslimali referendum roblox Sharon Otieno speed test sports target translate TSC TSC recruitment twitter UEFA Champions League Uhuru Kenyatta walmart weather wells fargo William Ruto
    Previous ArticleKuccps Inter University Transfer – Complete guide
    Next Article How to Log in to Kenya Assemblies of God, KAG, East Africa University Students Portal online, for Registration, E-Learning, Hostel Booking, Fees, Courses and Exam Results
    Hillary Kangwana
    • Website

    Related Posts

    Education Ministry releases new guidelines on implementation of the Competency Based Curriculum

    KNEC News Portal
    Read More

    Pain and Agony for teachers as TSC interdicts 5 for exam malpractices, 57 facing investigations.

    Trending
    Read More

    Turkana University College KUCCPS Approved Courses, Admissions, Intakes, Requirements, Students Portal, Location and Contacts

    Universities & Colleges information
    Read More

    Speak With One Voice, President Kenyatta Urges African Women Leaders

    Politics & Govt
    Read More

    List of Shortlisted candidates for 2019 TSC Teacher Internship vacancies; Kisii County, Kisii Central

    TSC News Portal
    Read More

    NASA cracks the whip on 16 MPs who refused to support Uhuru’s VAT bill

    Politics & Govt
    Read More

    TSC extends deadline for online application for teacher intern posts; Over 100,000 applications filed online

    TSC News Portal
    Read More

    How to access, read, download content/ materials uploaded on newsblaze.co.ke via the shared posts

    How to, Did You Know?
    Read More

    Best Hotels and Restaurants In Nairobi Kenya.

    Trending
    Read More

    LATEST NEWS.

    • Rutune Secondary School’s CBE Subjects, Pathways, Contacts, Location, Fees, Admission {Full Details}
    • St. John Thunguri Orthodox Secondary School’s CBE Subjects, Pathways, Contacts, Location, Fees, Admission {Full Details}
    • Kaharo Secondary School’s CBE Subjects, Pathways, Contacts, Location, Fees, Admission {Full Details}
    • Muirungi Secondary School’s CBE Subjects, Pathways, Contacts, Location, Fees, Admission {Full Details}
    • St Mary’s Karuthi Secondary School’s CBE Subjects, Pathways, Contacts, Location, Fees, Admission {Full Details}
    • Witima Secondary School’s CBE Subjects, Pathways, Contacts, Location, Fees, Admission {Full Details}
    • Kagumo Mixed Day Secondary School’s CBE Subjects, Pathways, Contacts, Location, Fees, Admission {Full Details}
    • Iriaini Girls High School’s CBE Subjects, Pathways, Contacts, Location, Fees, Admission {Full Details}
    • Kihuri Secondary School’s CBE Subjects, Pathways, Contacts, Location, Fees, Admission {Full Details}
    • Othaya Boys High School’s CBE Subjects, Pathways, Contacts, Location, Fees, Admission {Full Details}
    • Ihuririo Secondary School’s CBE Subjects, Pathways, Contacts, Location, Fees, Admission {Full Details}
    • Birithia Girls Secondary School’s CBE Subjects, Pathways, Contacts, Location, Fees, Admission {Full Details}
    • Karima Boys High School’s CBE Subjects, Pathways, Contacts, Location, Fees, Admission {Full Details}
    • Gitundu Secondary School’s CBE Subjects, Pathways, Contacts, Location, Fees, Admission {Full Details}
    • Munyange Secondary School’s CBE Subjects, Pathways, Contacts, Location, Fees, Admission {Full Details}
    • TSC now requires master’s degree for Schol Principals and Deputies
    • TSC accussed for mishandling teachers’ hardship allowances
    • TSC unveils a new Medical Scheme For Teachers To Replace Minet
    • End of an Era: TSC Medical Scheme AON Minet to be replaced by SHA
    • TSC Pressed hard on the status of teachers’ medical scheme and the government’s policy on hardship, housing, and other allowances for teachers.
    • Only 17,400 schools verified and have received capitation
    • Lecturers down tools in a strike that paralyzes learning in Universities
    • There are over 50,000 ‘ghost’ learners costing taxpayers Sh1bn annually
    • All University Students to get Funding- CS Ogamba Says
    • PETITION TO THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR THE RECOGNITION OF JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS AS FULLY INDEPENDENT INSTITUTIONS

    TSC NEWS TODAY

    • TSC accussed for mishandling teachers’ hardship allowances
    • TSC urged to deploy female teachers at Kabuto primary school
    • TSC CIRCULAR ON CONDUCTING OF PROMOTIONAL INTERVIEWS FOR TEACHERS AND CURRICULUM SUPPORT OFFICERS (CSOs) IN 2025/2026 FINANCIAL YEAR
    • TSC Gives New Factors to be consider when transferring teachers
    • TSC to reduce CBA review cycle to 2 years

    KNEC LATEST NEWS

    • Rutune Secondary School’s CBE Subjects, Pathways, Contacts, Location, Fees, Admission {Full Details}
    • St. John Thunguri Orthodox Secondary School’s CBE Subjects, Pathways, Contacts, Location, Fees, Admission {Full Details}
    • Kaharo Secondary School’s CBE Subjects, Pathways, Contacts, Location, Fees, Admission {Full Details}
    • Muirungi Secondary School’s CBE Subjects, Pathways, Contacts, Location, Fees, Admission {Full Details}
    • St Mary’s Karuthi Secondary School’s CBE Subjects, Pathways, Contacts, Location, Fees, Admission {Full Details}

    KUCCPS NEWS

    • KUCCPS Admission Letters for all Universities in Kenya
    • KUCCPS Announces Teacher Upgrade Training and TVET Intakes
    • Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (Teacher Upgrade Programme): How to apply, requirements
    • Kuccps application link for P1 and ECDE upgrade
    • Kuccps announces 45,544 slots for upgrade of P1 or ECDE Certificate holders

    EDUCATION NEWS

    • Only 17,400 schools verified and have received capitation
    • Lecturers down tools in a strike that paralyzes learning in Universities
    • There are over 50,000 ‘ghost’ learners costing taxpayers Sh1bn annually
    • All University Students to get Funding- CS Ogamba Says
    • PETITION TO THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR THE RECOGNITION OF JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS AS FULLY INDEPENDENT INSTITUTIONS

    KMTC NEWS

    • KMTC intake for September 2025 {Applications help}
    • PCEA Ongata Booth Girls School CBE Subjects, Pathways, Contacts {Full Details}
    • Langata Barracks Secondary School CBE Subjects, Pathways, Contacts {Full Details}
    • Langata High School CBE Subjects, Pathways, Contacts {Full Details}
    • Farasi Lane Secondary School CBE Subjects, Pathways, Contacts {Full Details}

    HELB NEWS TODAY

    • Helb loans 2025/2026: All you need to know
    • HELB asks teachers to help in identifying needy students
    • Helb Student Portal Online- Register, Login
    • Helb Statement- TVET Loan applications for 2019/2020 Financial Year; Loan amounts and application details
    • How to apply for Helb Loan (First and Subsequent Loans)

    UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES

    • Bungoma National Polytechnic Courses, Contacts, Fees, Location and How To Apply
    • Taita Taveta National Polytechnic Courses, Contacts, Fees, Location and How To Apply
    • Sigalagala National Polytechnic Courses, Contacts, Fees, Location and How To Apply
    • Nyeri National Polytechnic Courses, Contacts, Fees, Location and How To Apply
    • Nyandarua National Polytechnic Courses, Contacts, Fees, Location and How To Apply

    TEACHERS' RESOURCES

    • Grade 7 Term 3 Schemes of Work
    • Grade 9 Term 3 Schemes of Work
    • Grade 6 Term 3 Schemes of Work
    • Grade 8 Term 3 Schemes of Work
    • Form 3 Term 3 Schemes of Work
    • Form 2 Term 3 Schemes of Work
    • GRADE 8 AGRICULTURE & NUTRITION NOTES
    • GRADE 9 KISWAHILI LESSON NOTES
    • GRADE 9 ENGLISH LESSON NOTES
    • Free Grade 8 Integrated Science Notes
    • Free Grade 8 Creative Arts and Sports Notes
    • FREE GRADE 9 SOCIAL STUDIES NOTES
    • FREE GRADE 9 SOCIAL STUDIES NOTES
    • FREE GRADE 8 PRETECHNICAL NOTES
    • FREE GRADE 8 CRE NOTES
    • Form 3 Agriculture Schemes of Work Term 3
    • FORM 2 BIOLOGY SCHEME OF WORK TERM 3
    • FORM 2 AGRICULTURE SCHEME OF WORK TERM 3
    • GRADE 1 CREATIVE ARTS SCHEMES OF WORK 
    • FORM 3 BIOLOGY SCHEME OF WORK TERM 3
    • Grade 9 Term 3 Rationalized Schemes of Work.
    • Grade 8 Term 3 Rationalized Schemes of Work.
    • Grade 7 Term 3 Rationalized Schemes of Work.
    • Grade 7 Notes {All Subjects}
    • Maseno School 2025 Pre-mock Exams
    • KCSE 2025 Revision Exams {Full Papers}
    • Grade 7 Free Exams and Marking Schemes
    • Grade 8 Targeter Exams {All Subjects and Answers}
    • Grade 9 Targeter Exams {All Subjects and Answers}
    • Grade 9 Targeter Exams {Plus Answers}
    • Grade 4 Targeter Exams {Plus Answers}
    • Grade 6 Targeter Exams {Plus Answers}
    • Grade 5 Targeter Exams {Plus Answers}
    • Grade 2 Term 2 Exams {Plus Answers}
    • Grade 7 Term 2 Exams {Plus Answers}
    • Grade 9 Term 2 Latest Exams {All Subjects}
    • Grade 7 Term 2 Latest Exams {All Subjects}
    • Grade 6 Term 2 Latest Exams {All Subjects}
    • KCSE Exam Papers for all subjects plus marking schemes
    • KCSE English Set Books Writing Tips and Skills
    • Free Latest CBC Schemes of work for lower and upper primary schools
    • Full list of 2019 Wealth Declaration non-compliant teachers Per County- Siaya County
    • Biology Form One Termly Exams and Marking Schemes Free
    • BIOLOGY ECOLOGY NOTES FREE
    • JESMA EXAMS CLASS 8
    • Grade 3 CBC updated & rationalized Schemes of Work
    • Best Grade 7 CBC Topical Revision and Questions for all subjects
    • Free CBC Grade 4, 5 & 6 Notes, Exams Downloads
    • Computer Studies KCSE Mock Exams and Answers {Latest Best Collections}
    • HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT PAPER 1 KCSE REVISION BOOKLET

    BANKS AND MOBILE LOANS

    • Crypto’s Quiet Revolution: How Africa Is Rewriting The Rules Of Finance
    • META COLLAPSES ALONG WITH HIS METAVERSE
    • Which Cryptocurrency Would Explode Next?
    • Famous Gold-Backed Cryptocurrencies For 2022
    • Innovations Post-Bitcoin: Exploring Cryptos that Evolved from BTC

    HEALTH AND NUTRITION

    • Turkana County NHIF Inpatient Hospitals, Location, Contacts
    • Dental NHIF/ SHIF Hospitals in Kenya: Kakamega County Comprehensive list of NHIF Dental Accredited Hospitals
    • New Consolidated NHIF List of benefits, Services to members
    • Isiolo County NHIF Outpatient/ Inpatient Hospitals For Civil Service and Disciplined Services- Location, Contacts, Requirements
    • West Pokot County NHIF Latest List of Approved Facilities/ Hospitals: Location, Contacts, Services, Hospital Type and Code
    • Advertisement
    • Banks and Money
    • BEST TOP TEN
    • Breaking News
    • Cheap Mobile Loans
    • Crimes and Courts
    • Editorial
    • Featured
    • FREE KCPE REVISION MATERIALS
    • General News
    • Health & Nutrition tips
    • HELB Portal
    • How to, Did You Know?
    • IEBC KENYA NEWS
    • Insurance news
    • International news
    • Jobs
    • KCSE Revision Materials
    • KMTC News Portal
    • KNEC News
    • KNEC News Portal
    • Knec Schools Exams Portal
    • Knec Schools Portal
    • KNUT NEWS
    • KRA Portal
    • KSSSA Portal
    • KUCCPS portal
    • KUPPET
    • Latest Education News
    • NSSF PORTAL
    • NTSA Service Portal
    • Politics & Govt
    • Sponsored
    • Sports
    • Teachers' Resources
    • Tech News
    • Trending
    • TSC Latest News
    • TSC News Portal
    • Uncategorized
    • Universities & Colleges information
    • Universities and Colleges
    LATEST NEWS
    • Rutune Secondary School’s CBE Subjects, Pathways, Contacts, Location, Fees, Admission {Full Details}
    • St. John Thunguri Orthodox Secondary School’s CBE Subjects, Pathways, Contacts, Location, Fees, Admission {Full Details}
    • Kaharo Secondary School’s CBE Subjects, Pathways, Contacts, Location, Fees, Admission {Full Details}
    • Muirungi Secondary School’s CBE Subjects, Pathways, Contacts, Location, Fees, Admission {Full Details}
    • St Mary’s Karuthi Secondary School’s CBE Subjects, Pathways, Contacts, Location, Fees, Admission {Full Details}
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
    • Home
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise With Us
    • Teachers’ Resources
    • Latest Education News
    • TSC News Portal
    • KUCCPS portal
    • Knec Schools Exams Portal
    • Search
    © 2025 ThemeSphere. Designed by ThemeSphere.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.