EAC opens probe into Vodafone’s bid for Safaricom stake, invites public views
By Kiprono Keileb, January 22, 2026The East African Community (EAC) has initiated a formal review of a proposed transaction involving Vodafone Kenya Limited and Safaricom PLC, paving the way for public scrutiny of one of the region’s most significant telecommunications deals.
The inquiry, announced on Thursday, January 22, 2026, seeks to determine whether the planned acquisition could affect competition within the East African Community.
In a notice issued by the EAC Competition Authority on Thursday, January 22, 2026, the regional body stated that it had received official notification of the transaction and would now initiate an inquiry under the applicable regional competition laws and regulations.
“It is hereby notified in terms of Regulation 8 of the EAC Competition (Mergers and Acquisitions) Regulations, 2025 (hereinafter referred to as the Regulations) that the EAC Competition Authority (the Authority) after receiving a notification in terms of Section 11 of the East African Community Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023 (the Act) involving Vodafone Kenya Limited and Safaricom PLC, intends to embark on an inquiry in terms of Part IV of the Act and Part III of the Regulations,” part of EAC statement reads.
Review centres on a proposed change in ownership at Safaricom
The Authority explained that the review centres on a proposed change in ownership at Safaricom, Kenya’s largest telecommunications firm, involving a key shareholder linked to the wider Vodacom Group.
“The Transaction involves the proposed acquisition of 15% shareholding in Safaricom PLC by Vodafone Kenya Limited, a subsidiary of Vodacom Group, together with the associated intra-group restructuring by Vodafone International Holdings B.V. of its interest in Vodafone Kenya,” the statement reads.
To help the public understand the parties involved, the Authority outlined the business footprint of the acquiring company across the region and its link to Safaricom’s operations in Kenya.
“Vodacom Group (Vodacom) is the acquiring undertaking. Vodacom, through its holding company and subsidiary, Vodafone Kenya Limited, an undertaking company registered in the Republic of Kenya, is involved in the provision of mobile telecommunications and mobile financial services. Vodacom operates in the following Partner States: the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United Republic of Tanzania. Vodacom operates in the Republic of Kenya as Safaricom,” the statement reads.
The notice also clarified the role of Safaricom in the transaction and its place in Kenya’s communications and financial services sector.
“Safaricom PLC, the target undertaking, is an undertaking incorporated in the Republic of Kenya and is involved in the provision of mobile telecommunications, fixed broadband and mobile financial services. Safaricom PLC operates in the Republic of Kenya,” the statement reads.
As part of the inquiry, the EAC Competition Authority said it will assess whether the deal could harm competition, consumers, or other market players across the Community.
“The Authority shall, in accordance with the provisions of the Act and Regulations, determine, among other things, whether or not the merger is likely to substantially lessen competition within the Community,” the statement reads.
Public views invited
The Authority has invited the public and affected parties to take part in the process by submitting their views before a set deadline.
“In view of this, the Authority hereby gives notice to all interested stakeholders, including competitors, suppliers and customers of the merging parties, to submit written representations to the Authority about the subject matter of the proposed inquiry. All written representations should be sent to the Authority not later than February 16, 2026,” part of EAC’s post on X reads.
It further assured participants that all submissions will be handled with care and used strictly for the review.
“All written representations submitted to the Authority will be treated with the strictest confidentiality and will only be used for this inquiry,” the statement reads.