Good News for All Safaricom Customers as Company CEO Makes This Major Decision

Safaricom has unveiled a significant network expansion strategy aimed at dramatically increasing internet accessibility across Kenya. The telecommunications leader confirmed plans to introduce tokenised Wi-Fi services and prepaid fibre-optic connections by 2026.

Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa outlined the initiative, identifying fixed broadband as the company's primary growth opportunity. He revealed that while Kenya has a potential market of approximately four million fixed broadband users, only 1.2 million connections are currently active.

"This represents a substantial gap," Ndegwa stated. "We project this sector can sustain annual growth rates of up to 50 percent for the next five years without saturating demand."

To capture this market, Safaricom will pursue a multi-faceted approach. The plan includes accelerated fibre infrastructure rollout, the deployment of Fixed Wireless Access using 5G technology, and partnerships to provide more affordable customer equipment.

A cornerstone of the new strategy is a shift in payment models. The company will launch tokenised Wi-Fi, allowing users to purchase internet access in flexible increments—by the hour, day, week, or month—instead of committing to traditional monthly subscriptions. A similar prepaid model will be applied to fibre connections.

"We are redesigning our market approach," Ndegwa explained. "By tailoring solutions to specific customer needs and introducing tiered, flexible pricing, we can expand participation and reduce service costs. This is key to reaching the next three million users."

Beyond consumer services, Safaricom will enhance its offerings for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The focus will be on providing integrated solutions that combine secure connectivity with cloud, Internet of Things (IoT), and other digital services to improve business efficiency.

The company also intends to deepen its collaboration with the public sector, facilitating the digitisation of key government services in healthcare, agriculture, and finance. Ndegwa cited digital identity systems as a long-term enabler for more seamless and accessible service delivery.

This expansion plan underscores Safaricom's commitment to strengthening its core connectivity business while driving digital inclusion in Kenya's evolving economy.