Government appeals High Court ruling nullifying Safaricom share sale

The Kenyan government has filed an appeal with the High Court to contest the recent ruling that invalidated the sale of its 15 per cent shareholding in Safaricom PLC. The Attorney General, Dorcas Oduor, formally submitted a Notice of Appeal, designating the Attorney General as the fifth respondent in the legal dispute. The decision to challenge the ruling was made by a three-judge bench on September 15, 2026.

The legal battle involves civil society groups and opposition actors, who are at odds with the government over the partial divestiture of the state's stake in Safaricom to Vodafone Kenya Limited. National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi stated that the government disagrees with the ruling, asserting that the transaction complied with constitutional and procedural requirements.

The CS emphasized that safeguards for Safaricom's employees, dealers, and business partners were in place and that the divestiture was undertaken in line with prudent financial management and fiscal realities. Mbadi affirmed that the government intends to pursue the appeal vigorously and will provide further updates as the case progresses.

Safaricom confirmed the transaction's completion on June 30, 2026, and reaffirmed its commitment to providing mobile and other services in Kenya and Ethiopia.