Safaricom PLC has approved its largest annual dividend after shareholders backed a final payment of Ksh 1.15 per share. The decision takes the company’s total FY26 dividend to Ksh 2.00 per share. The payout amounts to Ksh 80.13 billion for shareholders.
The final dividend follows an interim payment of Ksh 0.85 per share made in March 2026. It marks the company’s highest dividend payout in its history and reflects stronger financial performance. Shareholders approved the payment during Safaricom’s 18th Annual General Meeting.
Safaricom’s stronger shareholder returns came as its market valuation climbed sharply during the financial year.
The company’s share price rose 50.3 percent, lifting its market value to Ksh 1.10 trillion by March 31, 2026. Its market capitalisation later reached Ksh 1.44 trillion ahead of the annual meeting.
The company said its performance followed several years of investment in its Ethiopian operation and core business. Safaricom had kept its dividend unchanged for three consecutive years while absorbing costs in Ethiopia. The Ethiopian business is now on track to reach break even in the coming financial year.
“This has been a defining year for us. We marked 25 years of connecting and driving transformation through our services and community involvement. We did this while delivering our strongest financial performance yet,” said Dr Peter Ndegwa, Group CEO, Safaricom PLC.
The company has described the change as part of its broader transition into a technology led business. Management plans to use artificial intelligence to improve customer service and make digital interactions more personal. Broadband growth remains another priority as demand for reliable high speed connectivity continues across Kenya.
Safaricom has set its next growth phase around Vision 2030, moving beyond traditional telecommunications services. Its priorities cover simpler customer experiences, artificial intelligence and wider broadband access across its markets. The company is targeting broader 4G and 5G coverage while seeking to place affordable smartphones within reach of more customers.
The ownership changes were completed after Vodacom Group acquired an additional 15 percent stake through Vodafone Kenya Limited.
The transaction involved the Government of Kenya and an internal restructuring of the group’s ownership arrangements.
“We were equally pleased to note the completion of the transaction increasing Vodacom Group’s shareholding in Safaricom this year,” said Adil Khawaja, Chairman of the Board, Safaricom PLC.
M PESA and wider financial services remain central to the company’s expansion strategy over the coming years. Vodacom now holds 55 percent, while the Kenyan government retains 20 percent and the investing public holds 25 percent.
The deeper ownership relationship gives Safaricom access to Vodacom Group’s regional scale and technical expertise.
The final dividend is expected to be paid on or about September 4, 2026. Payment will go to shareholders registered by the close of business on August 4, 2026.
Safaricom said cumulative dividends paid over five years will reach about Ksh 280 billion. Shareholders re elected Edward Okaro to the board and re appointed Ernst and Young as external auditors.
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