Safaricom Secures 25-Year Licence with Higher Fees
Safaricom has received a fresh 25-year operating licence from the Communications Authority of Kenya, ensuring long-term stability for the country’s leading telecommunications provider.
This significant renewal reflects continued confidence in the company’s role as a cornerstone of Kenya’s digital economy. The extended licence period will allow Safaricom to plan major investments with greater certainty while maintaining its extensive network that serves millions of Kenyans daily.
The new licence comes with an increased fee of Sh16 billion, up from the previous Sh14 billion. This adjustment demonstrates the growing value placed on spectrum resources and the company’s dominant market position. Despite the higher cost, the move is expected to support improved infrastructure development and innovation as Safaricom continues expanding 4G and 5G coverage across the country, including underserved rural areas.
For Kenyan consumers and businesses, the long-term licence provides reassurance of uninterrupted services and future upgrades. Safaricom has been instrumental in driving mobile money through M-Pesa, internet access, and digital financial inclusion. The extended operational certainty should encourage further advancements in fintech, data services, and connectivity that power Kenya’s ambition to become a regional technology hub.
The licence renewal highlights the maturing telecommunications regulatory environment in Kenya. While the higher fees add to operational costs, they also contribute to national revenue that can support broader digital infrastructure goals. As Safaricom embarks on this new 25-year chapter, the focus will remain on delivering reliable, affordable services while navigating competition and technological change in a rapidly evolving industry.
