Safaricom PLC Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa has assured Members of the National Assembly that the proposed partial divestiture by the Government of Kenya will not disrupt the company’s operations or its commitment to national development.

Appearing before a joint sitting of the Parliamentary Committees on Finance & National Planning and Public Debt and Privatisation, on Monday, January 19, 2026, Ndegwa addressed concerns regarding Sessional Paper No. 3 of 2025, which outlines the state’s plan to reduce its shareholding in the telecommunications giant.

He stated that there will be no transfer of operational control, no dilution of regulatory authority, and no weakening of governance standards arising from the transaction.

“Safaricom recognises that the process now before this House reflects the very safeguards Parliament deliberately built into Kenya’s public finance and privatisation framework,” Ndegwa said.

He added that the Board, management structure, and decision-making frameworks will remain intact, ensuring continuity in operations.

Safaricom to retain Kenyan identity

Ndegwa also addressed concerns about the company’s identity, assuring lawmakers that Safaricom will maintain its Kenyan culture and brand, including the signature green colour.

His remarks came after queries from Committee Members led by Kuria Kimani, who asked whether the telco would retain its Kenyan-centric culture under the proposed deal.

“Safaricom has been transforming the lives of Kenyans for 25 years. It has been a Kenyan company since its inception. We will not change the brand or the green colour our customers have been accustomed to. The safeguards put as part of the deal on management identity guarantee that the company will continue to project a Kenyan identity,” he said.

Economic impact and stakeholder assurances

Ndegwa also sought to address concerns about the economic impact of the divestiture on millions of livelihoods supported through Safaricom’s dealer network and strategic partnerships. He assured Members that contractual agreements with dealers will remain legally binding, and no contracts will be affected by Vodacom’s proposed takeover.

He expressed confidence that the transition will be handled transparently and lawfully, emphasising the company’s continued discipline, accountability, and purpose.

“We remain committed to working with this House, and to continuing our role in supporting Kenya’s digital, economic, and social transformation,” Ndegwa said.

The joint committee is expected to continue scrutinising the Sessional Paper to assess the long-term value and implications of the divestiture for the Kenyan taxpayer.