The Kenyan High Court has ruled to nullify the government’s sale of a 15% stake in Safaricom to Vodacom, sparking reactions from political figures and legal experts. The decision, announced on September 15, 2026, declared the transaction invalid, citing concerns over fairness and public participation. Political leaders, including Democracy for the Citizen’s Party patron Irungu Nyakera, praised the ruling as a victory for Kenyans, emphasizing that the deal denied citizens a fair opportunity to invest.
Vodacom, the South African telecom giant, has announced plans to appeal the decision. The company had completed the purchase earlier this year, acquiring an additional 15% stake in Safaricom, Kenya’s leading mobile network operator. Legal representatives for the petitioners, including Kalonzo, hailed the ruling as a vindication of public concerns over the transaction. The court ordered the shares to be restored to the government.
The case highlights ongoing debates over transparency and public interest in major financial transactions. The ruling has raised questions about the legal framework governing state asset disposals and the role of private entities in Kenya’s telecommunications sector. The appeal process is expected to prolong the legal battle over the stake sale.
