Vihiga Cranes from Vihiga County and Lugari Progressive (Archbishop Njenga Girls) from Kakamega County won the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Western Region finals on August 16, 2026, at Masinde Muliro Stadium in Kanduyi, Bungoma County, according to a statement from Safaricom. Each team received KES 250,000 and will represent the Western Region at the national finals scheduled for next year.

In the boys’ final, Vihiga Cranes beat Busia’s Musokoto Secondary School 1-0. Safaricom said the decisive goal came in the 61st minute when Tonny Omondi scored with a header from a corner delivered by Luke Ramsey.

The girls’ final ended 0-0 in regular time before Lugari Progressive defeated Busia’s Chakol Girls 5-4 on penalties, Safaricom said.

Chapa Dimba is a school-based football competition run by Safaricom and now in its fifth edition. For Safaricom, the tournament forms part of its broader youth engagement and community programmes and also acts as a regional platform for talent identification and progression to national-level competition.

Speaking after the boys’ final, Francis Muhambe, head coach of Vihiga Cranes, said the team’s attention would shift to the next stage. “First, I want to thank God for this victory and also Safaricom for putting together such an amazing tournament. We are delighted to win the Western Region title... But the job is not done yet; our focus now shifts to the national finals, where we hope to go all the way,” Muhambe said.

Fred Serenge, head coach of Lugari Progressive, said the girls’ final was decided by resilience and preparation. “It wasn’t an easy game, but I want to congratulate my girls for working hard, staying focused and fighting until the end to win the trophy... The girls are really excited to be going home with KES 250,000, along with other prizes, including smartphones and airtime,” Serenge said.

Safaricom said runners-up Musokoto Secondary School and Chakol Girls received KES 150,000 each, alongside smartphones and airtime.

Individual awards in both boys’ and girls’ categories included Best Goalkeeper and Top Scorer prizes worth KES 30,000 each, Safaricom said. The Most Valuable Player (Golden Ball) also received KES 30,000 and a fully funded tertiary education scholarship under the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme, according to the statement.

In the girls’ category, Safaricom said the Top Scorer award was shared by Hanisa Mashasha of Chakol Girls and Lugari Progressive’s Lydia Laura, Zipporah Wanyonyi, Delphine Mutirira and Viola Chepkorir. In the boys’ category, the Top Scorer award was shared by Mellon Omondi and Tonny Omondi of Vihiga Cranes alongside Rom Okitwi, Frankline Pual and Calvin Masai of Musokoto Secondary.

Safaricom said the boys’ MVP award went to Elvis Ogiro of Musokoto Secondary, while the girls’ MVP award went to Hanifa Mashasha of Chakol Girls. Best Goalkeeper awards went to Nabo Ochieng of Musokoto Secondary and Shamsy Pachanga of Lugari Progressive, the company said.

Beyond sport, corporate-backed school competitions have become a visible channel for community investment and youth development in Kenya, often linking prize money, scholarships and exposure to structured pathways for further education. For regions outside Nairobi, the travel, hosting and sponsorship spending tied to finals can also support local micro-business activity around venues, including transport, hospitality and retail trade.

Safaricom said the tournament will now move to the Central Region finals, scheduled for Saturday, August 29, and Sunday, August 30, at Wang’uru Stadium in Kirinyaga County. The remaining regional winners will then qualify for the national finals next year.

Musokoto Secondary School from Busia County will play Vihiga Cranes from Vihiga County in the boys’ Safaricom Chapa Dimba Western Region final on Sunday, August 16, at Masinde Muliro Stadium in Kanduyi, Bungoma, after both sides won their semi-finals on Saturday, August 15, organisers said in a press release.

In the girls’ final, Chakol Queens will face Lugari Progressive after the two teams recorded semi-final victories at the same venue, according to the statement.

The regional finals form part of Safaricom’s Chapa Dimba talent development tournament, which has become a key feeder platform for grassroots football across Kenya’s counties and a regular fixture in the country’s sports calendar. For Western Kenya, the event draws teams and spectators from counties including Busia, Vihiga, Kakamega and Bungoma, creating short-term activity for local vendors and host venues while providing exposure for youth players.

Musokoto booked their place in the boys’ final with a 3-0 win over Kakamega’s Green Buffaloes. The press release said Musokoto took an early lead in the second minute when Galvin Mukolwe scored from the penalty spot after Peter Franklin Pual was penalised for handball. Frankline Paul doubled the lead in the 52nd minute, and Tom Okitwi added a third in the 77th minute.

Green Buffaloes missed a penalty through Oliver Osinya, the organisers said.

“I am happy with today’s win. We played according to our game plan, and we hope to do the same when we meet Vihiga Cranes tomorrow in the final. This is our first time reaching the regional final, and we are determined to take the trophy back to Busia,” said Nicholas Okubala, head coach of Musokoto Secondary School, according to the press release.

Vihiga Cranes reached the final after edging Bungoma’s Terem 1-0, with Mellon Omondi scoring the match’s only goal, organisers said.

In the girls’ semi-finals, Lugari Progressive beat Bungoma’s Elgon Queens 4-0, with goals from Laura Lydia, Ziporah Wanyonyi, Delphine Mutirira and Viola Chepkorir, the statement said.

Chakol Queens beat Vihiga’s Blue Commandos 3-1 to seal the other girls’ final spot. The organisers said Michel Nasimiyu scored twice, Hanifa Mashasha added a third for the Busia side, and Mitchel Chepteek scored Blue Commandos’ consolation.

“Last season, we were knocked out in the semi-finals. This year, we are glad to have made it to the final. I know Lugari Progressive is a tough team, but we will play our game just as we did today. The girls are determined to lift this trophy for the first time and represent the region at the national championship,” said Abraham Muleme, head coach of Chakol Queens, according to the press release.

Organisers said the winning teams in the boys’ and girls’ finals will each receive KES 250,000 and qualify for the national finals, while the runners-up will each receive KES 150,000. Individual awards for best goalkeeper and top scorer in both categories will each earn KES 30,000, while the most valuable player (Golden Ball) will receive KES 30,000 and “an additional fully funded tertiary education scholarships under the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme,” according to the statement.

The outcome of the Western regional finals will determine the teams that represent the region at the national championship, with organisers expected to confirm the next stage’s fixtures and dates after the Bungoma event.

Safaricom will stage the Western Regional Finals of its Chapa Dimba Season 5 youth football tournament in Bungoma on August 15 and 16 at Masinde Muliro Stadium in Kanduyi, with eight teams set to compete for the regional title and National Finals qualification.

In a statement dated August 13, 2026, the telecoms operator said four boys’ teams and four girls’ teams drawn from Busia, Vihiga, Bungoma and Kakamega counties will take part in the first regional finals of the season. The participating teams are Chakol Queens and Musokoto Secondary School (Busia), Vihiga Cranes and Blue Commandos (Vihiga), Terem FC and Elgon Queens (Bungoma), and Lugari Progressive and Green Buffaloes (Kakamega).

Safaricom said each winning boys’ and girls’ team will receive KES 250,000 and secure a slot at the National Finals. Runners-up in each category will receive KES 150,000, according to the company.

“This weekend, we are all heading to Bungoma for our first Chapa Dimba Regional Final of the season. We have eight teams competing, and we expect a packed weekend of exciting action,” said Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom CEO. “I call on football fans across Western Kenya and beyond to turn up in large numbers, enjoy the action, and cheer on our talented young boys and girls.”

The girls’ semi-finals will open the weekend programme, with hosts Elgon Queens facing Lugari Progressive in the first match. The second girls’ semi-final will pit Blue Commandos against defending champions Chakol Queens, Safaricom said.

Fred Serenge, head coach of Lugari Progressive, said the team is targeting the regional title after falling short last season. “Last season, we lost 2-1 to Brenda Girls in the final, but this year we are determined to win both the regional and national titles,” Serenge said. He added that the tournament will, for the first time, provide Kenyan players an opportunity to participate in the Gothia Cup in Sweden through selection to the Season 5 All-Star team.

The boys’ semi-finals will feature hosts Terem FC against Vihiga Cranes, followed by Musokoto Secondary School versus Green Buffaloes, according to Safaricom.

Francis Muhambe, head coach of Vihiga Cranes, said the team is looking to repeat past success. “Last season, I led Ebwali Boys to the regional championship in the boys’ category, and this year, I am hoping to achieve the same with Vihiga Cranes after winning the Vihiga County title,” Muhambe said.

Beyond prize money for teams, Safaricom said it will issue individual awards: Best Goalkeeper and Top Scorer in both boys’ and girls’ categories will each receive KES 30,000, while the Most Valuable Player (Golden Ball) will also receive KES 30,000 and a fully funded tertiary education scholarship under the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme.

The company said the Western Region segment attracted 521 teams across the four counties—340 boys’ teams and 181 girls’ teams—with Kakamega recording the highest participation at 214 teams, followed by Bungoma (160), Busia (79) and Vihiga (68). Nationwide, Safaricom said 3,178 teams registered for Season 5, comprising 2,367 boys’ teams and 811 girls’ teams.

For Kenya’s business landscape, Safaricom’s continued funding of grassroots sports programmes is part of broader corporate spending that supports talent pipelines, community engagement and local event-driven trade, particularly in host towns where match-day footfall can lift small business activity around venues. The tournament also aligns with a growing focus by corporates on youth development initiatives that link to education outcomes through scholarships, which can be positioned as long-term human capital investment.

The Western Regional Finals will culminate in category finals on Sunday, with the winners advancing to represent the region at the National Finals. Safaricom said the Season 5 All-Star team will represent Kenya at the Gothia Cup in Sweden.

David Wakhu of Golf Park won the fifth leg of the PGK Equator Tour held at Ruiru Sports Club, finishing top of a 50-player field with a four-round total of 274 (-10), according to a press release shared by Safaricom.

Wakhu edged Greg Snow of Muthaiga Golf Club, who finished second on 275 (-9). Safaricom-sponsored golfer Samuel Chege shared third place with John Lejirma after both returned 277 (-7), the statement said.

The result lifts Wakhu’s season profile on the domestic circuit, where he is ranked fifth on the Order of Merit standings with 1,800 points, according to the release. The tour’s points system is used to separate the leading local professionals as they seek starts in higher-level tournaments and national-team selection considerations.

“Compared to last season, this year has been much better for me. I have continued to work hard and stay focused on competing at the highest level,” Wakhu said in the statement. He added that the Ruiru event was “quite challenging because everyone was fighting for the top spot” and credited his preparation and support team for the win.

Other notable finishes included Dismas Indiza in fifth on 279 (-5), while Mohit Mediratta and Malik Taimur shared sixth place on 280 (-4). Mutahi Kibugu placed eighth on 283 (-1), with Michael Karanga and Jastas Madoya tied for ninth on 284 (par), according to the release.

The PGK Equator Tour is part of Kenya’s competitive golf calendar and functions as a pathway for professionals looking to build form, rankings and sponsorship appeal. For corporates, the tour also provides a platform for sports marketing and brand visibility, with telecommunications firms among the companies that have backed individual players and events.

Safaricom, which referenced its involvement through sponsorship of golfer Samuel Chege, said in the same communication that it is listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange and reported annual revenues of KES 400 billion as at March 2026. The company also cited an estimated total economic value of KES 1.1 trillion (US$8.5 billion) for the 12 months through March 2025, and said M-PESA generated KES 182.7 billion in revenue as at FY26. Business News Kenya could not independently verify these figures from the release alone.

From an industry perspective, sustained corporate support for local professional sport can help deepen Kenya’s sports economy by creating more regular earning opportunities for athletes, strengthening event operations, and attracting spectators and ancillary spending around host venues. In golf, sponsorship can be particularly significant given the sport’s costs and the importance of consistent tournament play to maintain competitive standards.

With the Ruiru leg concluded, the PGK Equator Tour heads to Nakuru in two weeks for the sixth leg. Players will continue to compete for Order of Merit points “as they chase qualification for the Magical Kenya Open and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles,” the statement said.

The Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) Equator Tour heads to Ruiru Golf Club this week for its fifth leg, with the four-day tournament scheduled from Thursday, July 16 to Sunday, July 19. Organisers said the event is expected to draw more than 50 of Kenya’s professional golfers as the circuit’s Order of Merit standings begin to take shape.

According to the press release, the Ruiru leg will contribute “crucial ranking points” in a qualification race tied to the 2027 Magical Kenya Open and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The start list is expected to include Samuel Njoroge, Njoroge Kibugu, Mutahi Kibugu, Greg Snow, Mohit Mediratta, Dismas Indiza, David Wahu, Daniel Nduva and Edwin Mudanyi, among others.

The event comes a week after the circuit’s fourth leg at Nyali Golf and Country Club in Mombasa, where Njoroge Kibugu won, according to the same release.

Heading into Ruiru, Thika Golf Club’s Samuel Njoroge—one of four golfers sponsored by Safaricom—tops the Order of Merit with 2,377 points after four legs. He is followed by Kakamega’s Dismas Indiza with 1,890 points, while Greg Snow is third on 1,720 points, the organisers said.

Mutahi Kibugu said the Ruiru stop will be a test of consistency as competition for points intensifies. “I am looking forward to competing at Ruiru and building on the progress I have made over the last four legs. This tour means a lot to me, not only as a young golfer but also for other local professionals. The competition is always intense, and it is difficult to predict who will come out on top. My focus is to remain consistent and put myself in a strong position throughout the week,” said Mutahi Kibugu.

PGK said the Equator Tour is designed as a season-long circuit across golf courses nationwide, providing local professionals with regular competitive play. The tour is organised by the Professional Golfers of Kenya.

Corporate backing remains a key feature of the circuit’s structure. The press release said the tour “continues to receive support from corporate partners, including Safaricom,” linking the sponsorship to efforts to expand competitive opportunities for Kenyan professionals.

For Kenya’s sports and events economy, the tour’s movement across venues such as Nyali and Ruiru also supports activity for host clubs and surrounding local businesses, including hospitality and transport operators, as players, officials and spectators travel for multi-day events. While the release did not disclose prize money or direct economic impact, the tournament schedule and participant numbers indicate a growing calendar for domestic professional golf.

Safaricom, which is listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, positions sport sponsorships as part of its broader brand and community engagement activity. In the company background included in the release, Safaricom reported annual revenues of KES 400 billion (as at March 2026) and stated that its total economic value was estimated at KES 1.1 trillion (US$8.5 billion) for the 12 months through March 2025.

Attention at Ruiru will centre on whether Samuel Njoroge can extend his lead at the top of the Order of Merit, or whether challengers such as Indiza and Snow can narrow the points gap. PGK has not announced subsequent venues in this release, but the Ruiru event will set the pace for the next phase of the season-long standings.

Samson Lemayan and Lydia Simiyu won the men’s and women’s 42km races at the 26th Lewa Safari Marathon held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Isiolo County, according to a statement issued by the organisers and sponsors.

Lemayan, a ranger at Samburu National Reserve, defended his men’s title after finishing in 2:27:04. He placed ahead of Victor Miano (2:28:08) and Nehemiah Kimaru (2:32:38). In the women’s race, 32-year-old Kenya Wildlife Service officer Simiyu, from Kitale in Trans Nzoia County, won in 2:50:39, followed by Lydia Nyansikera (2:56:41) and Gladys Otero (3:07:40).

Both the 42km and 21km category winners received KES 150,000 each, while first runners-up earned KES 80,000 and second runners-up KES 60,000, the statement said.

The Lewa Safari Marathon, now in its 26th year, is among Kenya’s high-profile endurance events that combines sports with conservation-linked fundraising at a time when corporate-backed events continue to play a growing role in financing community and environmental programmes in Northern Kenya.

“This is my third year participating in this race and my second time winning it. I have been preparing for this race since last year, and I am happy to have successfully defended my title. This Marathon is more challenging than many other races because of its tough terrain, so winning here means a lot to me as I continue preparing for upcoming races,” Lemayan said.

Simiyu said the win marked her first appearance at the event. “This is my first time participating in the Lewa Safari Marathon, and winning it is a major milestone in my athletics career. It is one of the races I have always wanted to compete in because of its impact on conservation and the surrounding communities, as well as its reputation as one of the toughest marathon courses. I would like to thank the organisers and sponsors, including Safaricom, for making this event such a success,” she said.

In the 21km half marathon, Michael Kamau won the men’s race in 1:06:36, while Mercy Nelima took the women’s title in 1:19:02. Justine Lelintan (1:07:59) and Doreen Kendi (1:23:09) were second, while Simon Saidimu (1:08:30) and Caroline Waithira (1:26:12) finished third in their respective categories. The Executive 10km winners were Wilson Moyer (men) and Jessica Baillie (women), organisers said.

Michael Joseph, an M-PESA Foundation Trustee, linked the event to longer-term corporate support. “Twenty-six years of supporting this marathon reflect our long-standing commitment to creating meaningful and lasting impact in communities, extending far beyond wildlife conservation. I would like to thank our fellow sponsors, partners, participants and everyone who contributed to the success of this year's event. We remain committed to supporting this noble cause and ensuring it continues to deliver even greater impact in the years ahead,” Joseph said.

Organisers said the 2026 edition attracted more than 1,400 participants from Kenya and abroad, a turnout that underscores the continued appeal of destination events to domestic and international runners, with potential spillovers for hospitality, transport and local supply chains in host regions.

Rob Macaire, CEO of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, said the marathon’s focus goes beyond the race itself. “Today, we celebrate not only the achievements of those who crossed the finish line, but also the lasting impact this event continues to make through conservation, education, healthcare and sustainable livelihoods. Experiencing my first Lewa Safari Marathon as CEO has been both inspiring and humbling,” Macaire said.

The event was sponsored by Safaricom and Huawei, alongside partners including Amref Health Africa, Kenya Red Cross, Atlas Towers, Safari Link, ICEA Lions, and Tropical Heat, according to the statement. Organisers did not disclose the total amount raised, but said the marathon supports conservation and neighbouring communities, with future editions expected to continue relying on corporate sponsorship and participant turnout as key drivers.

Safaricom’s Chapa Dimba Season Five begins on Saturday, June 27, with grassroots matches across the Western region as registrations for the youth football tournament rose to 3,178 teams nationwide, according to a company press release dated June 26, 2026.

The opening round in Western Kenya has attracted 521 teams drawn from Kakamega, Busia, Vihiga and Bungoma counties. Safaricom said the regional entry includes 340 boys’ teams and 181 girls’ teams, which it described as an increase from the previous season.

Nationally, Safaricom reported that 2,367 boys’ teams and 811 girls’ teams registered for the tournament, taking the total to 3,178 teams and exceeding a target of 3,000 teams. The company did not disclose the prior season’s national registration figures in the statement.

The tournament forms part of Safaricom’s broader youth and community programming and sits at the intersection of sport, education and corporate social investment in Kenya. For businesses, such initiatives remain a key channel for brand engagement in counties while also supporting talent development and local ecosystems around sports—ranging from transport and hospitality to small traders around match venues.

Speaking ahead of the kick-off, Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa linked the high registration numbers to the tournament’s role in youth football development.

“Every season, we are seeing more teams, more talent, and more success stories emerge from communities across Kenya. While not every team was able to secure a place in this year's competition, we encourage those who missed out to continue preparing and look forward to the next season. Chapa Dimba is a long-term platform, and there will always be another opportunity to showcase talent and pursue football dreams,” Ndegwa said.

Safaricom said last season’s Western Regional champions—Ebwali Boys from Vihiga County and Brenda Girls from Bungoma County—are among teams expected to return this year.

Francis Muhambe, head coach of Vihiga Cranes, said the tournament has previously created progression opportunities for players into the All-Star programme.

“We are excited to have Safaricom Chapa Dimba back. Last season, I led Ebwali FC to become regional champions, and I was proud to see players like Austine Odongo, Derrick Oketch and Edwin Onyango progress to the All-Star team that travelled to Spain. This year, I return with a new team, confident they will perform well and attract interest from national league clubs,” Muhambe said.

Under the competition structure outlined by Safaricom, teams will advance from ward-level matches through sub-county, county, regional and national stages. Safaricom said national champions in both boys’ and girls’ categories will each receive KES 1 million, alongside additional prizes at county and regional levels and individual awards for Most Valuable Player, Top Scorer and Best Goalkeeper.

Beyond match results, Safaricom said 150 players will be selected from county to national level to receive fully funded tertiary education scholarships under its Citizens of the Future programme. The company said the scholarships will cover tuition, accommodation and a monthly stipend at public tertiary institutions in Kenya.

Safaricom added that outstanding players will form an All-Stars team that will represent Kenya at the Gothia Cup in Sweden, which it described as the world’s largest youth football tournament, offering exposure to international competition and scouting networks.

Looking ahead, attention will shift to participation levels in other regions as the tournament rolls out nationally, and to the pipeline from regional stages to the national finals. Safaricom said Chapa Dimba, launched in 2017, has produced players who progress into local leagues, national teams and international clubs, and the company is positioning Season Five to continue those pathways.

Safaricom increased its share of Kenya’s fixed internet market to 35.5% and grew its subscriber base to 941,501 customers in the three months to March 2026, according to sector statistics released by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).

The CA’s third-quarter 2025/26 report shows Safaricom added more than 83,000 new fixed broadband customers between December 2025 and March 2026, lifting its market share from 34.9% in the preceding quarter.

The latest figures underline the importance of fixed broadband in Kenya’s telecoms sector as operators compete on network coverage, pricing and bundled services amid rising demand for home and small-business connectivity.

According to the CA, other key fixed internet providers include Jamii Telecommunications Limited (Faiba) with a 20.1% market share, Wananchi Group (Zuku) at 11.1% and Poa Internet Kenya Limited at 10.7%.

The regulator said affordability continues to shape consumption patterns in the market. “Most fixed internet subscriptions in Kenya are on speeds between the 10 and 30 Mbps bands, mainly due to their affordability and reliability for most subscribers,” the Communications Authority noted in its report.

Safaricom has aligned its entry-level fibre offering around a 15 Mbps package, as operators adjust product structures to capture price-sensitive households and increase broadband penetration, according to the statement accompanying the data.

Despite the subscriber gains, the CA’s report points to continued headroom for growth. The statement notes that while Kenya has more than eight million households connected to electricity, only 2.7 million currently have fixed internet subscriptions.

Safaricom reported that in its financial year ending March 2026 it recorded 32% growth in fixed broadband subscribers and a 12% increase in revenue from the segment, highlighting the contribution of home and enterprise internet services to its overall business performance.

The company said it has adjusted its fibre deployment model to expand connectivity beyond traditional higher-income neighbourhoods, citing lower installation costs and technology-led rollout approaches. It also said existing customers have received doubled internet speeds at no additional cost, while solutions such as WiFi Bamba are being used to expand affordable home fibre connectivity in lower-income communities, including the Affordable Housing Project in Mukuru, Nairobi.

Safaricom further said it is piloting tokenisation models that would allow customers to purchase short-term, high-speed internet access within fibre-enabled zones, and noted a partnership with Huawei on Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) solutions aimed at improving in-home and business connectivity experiences.

Beyond last-mile connectivity, the CA attributed improvements in the broader sector to investments in international capacity. According to the regulator, Kenya’s international internet bandwidth increased by 16.4% to 28,130.3 Gbps during the period under review.

“This growth was driven by increasing demand for higher capacity and faster internet speeds. Notably, SEACOM expanded its capacity by 53.3 per cent to 10,500.0 Gbps. Consequently, total utilized bandwidth capacity grew by 3.0 per cent to 17,758.824 Gbps,” the report noted.

Industry watchers will be tracking whether faster entry-level packages, new purchasing models and expanding international capacity translate into higher fixed broadband take-up, especially outside traditional fibre corridors and among lower-income households. The next CA sector statistics release is expected to provide further clarity on whether the market’s growth momentum continues into subsequent quarters.

Safaricom Plc has grown its share of Kenya’s fixed internet market to 35.5% and increased its subscriber base to 941,501 customers in the three months to March 2026, according to new sector statistics published by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).

The regulator’s third-quarter 2025/26 report shows Safaricom added more than 83,000 fixed broadband customers between December 2025 and March 2026, lifting its market share from 34.9% in the previous quarter.

The gains come as Kenya’s fixed broadband market continues to evolve, with operators competing on speed upgrades, pricing and network expansion aimed at reaching underserved segments.

CA data shows Jamii Telecommunications Limited (Faiba) held 20.1% of the fixed internet market, followed by Wananchi Group (Zuku) at 11.1% and Poa Internet Kenya Limited at 10.7%.

The regulator attributed much of the demand to mid-tier speed packages. “Most fixed internet subscriptions in Kenya are on speeds between the 10 and 30 Mbps bands, mainly due to their affordability and reliability for most subscribers,” the Communications Authority noted in its report.

Within that bracket, Safaricom has set 15 Mbps as the entry-level speed on its most affordable fibre package, according to the statement accompanying the CA data.

The CA figures also point to room for further growth in household penetration. According to the statement, Kenya has more than eight million households connected to electricity, but only 2.7 million have fixed internet subscriptions.

Safaricom said its fixed broadband segment recorded 32% growth in subscribers in the financial year ended March 2026, alongside a 12% increase in revenue from the segment. The company did not disclose absolute revenue figures in the statement.

In response to shifting demand, Safaricom said it has changed its fibre deployment model to lower installation costs and expand connectivity beyond higher-income neighbourhoods. The company also said existing customers benefited from doubled internet speeds at no additional cost, while new offers such as WiFi Bamba are being used to support lower-cost home fibre connectivity in lower-income areas, including the Affordable Housing Project in Mukuru, Nairobi.

Safaricom further said it is piloting tokenisation models that would allow customers to buy short-term, high-speed access within fibre-enabled zones. It also cited a partnership with Huawei on Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) solutions aimed at improving in-home and business connectivity experiences.

Beyond last-mile competition, CA data shows international capacity continues to expand, supporting higher usage and faster speeds. According to the Communications Authority, Kenya’s international internet bandwidth increased by 16.4% to 28,130.3 Gbps. “This growth was driven by increasing demand for higher capacity and faster internet speeds. Notably, SEACOM expanded its capacity by 53.3% to 10,500.0 Gbps. Consequently, total utilized bandwidth capacity grew by 3.0% to 17,758.824 Gbps,” the report noted.

For the Kenyan market, continued growth in fixed broadband subscriptions is likely to intensify competition among fibre and fixed wireless providers, particularly in mid-speed packages where affordability is shaping consumer choices, while higher international capacity could help operators sustain service quality as usage rises.

Looking ahead, sector watchers will track whether operators convert the gap between electrified households and fixed internet subscriptions into new connections, and whether new models—such as short-term access products—translate into meaningful growth in adoption across lower-income and peri-urban areas.

Kenya’s mobile money subscriptions rose by about two million in the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, pushing total subscriptions to 53.4 million, according to sector statistics released by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) covering January to March 2026.

The CA statistics show mobile money subscriptions increased from 51.4 million in the previous quarter to 53.4 million, representing quarterly growth of 3.9%. The figures point to continued expansion of digital financial services as mobile money remains a major channel for payments and transfers in the economy.

Agent network growth outpaced subscription growth during the quarter. The number of registered mobile money agents increased from 501,399 to 602,470, a rise of 20.2% or about 101,000 new agents, according to the CA.

The Q3 data matters for Kenya’s business landscape because mobile money agents act as the primary cash-in and cash-out infrastructure for households, informal businesses and micro-enterprises. A growing agent footprint typically supports transaction volumes, improves service availability beyond major towns, and can lower operational friction for small merchants that rely on daily liquidity.

The CA data also shows market concentration remains high. “Safaricom remains the market leader in the mobile money market, accounting for 89.1% of mobile money subscriptions,” the report said.

In the same update, the narrative around platform capacity and usage was linked to Safaricom’s recent technology upgrades. “The company’s continued investment in converged digital solutions has been supported by the M-PESA Fintech 2.0 platform upgrade, which has significantly enhanced system capacity,” the report said, adding that the upgrade is intended to support higher transaction volumes and enable additional digital financial products.

According to figures cited in the release, Safaricom’s Kenya ecosystem processed “approximately 46.41 billion transactions valued at KSh 41.68 trillion” in FY26. The report also said transaction volumes continue to be driven by frequent, low-value transfers. “During FY26, Safaricom facilitated approximately 17.1 billion Kadogo transactions, accounting for 36.8% of total M-PESA transaction volumes,” it said.

Beyond transfers and payments, the CA update pointed to growing consumer uptake of mobile-linked investment and insurance products within the M-PESA ecosystem. As of 15 June 2026, the report said Ziidi Trader had recorded “approximately 688,000 opt-ins and over 103,000 active traders,” facilitating “533,000 trades involving 171 million shares and a traded value of approximately KSh 1.9 billion.”

In savings and investment, the report described Ziidi MMF as the most mature product, with “approximately 7.7 million opt-ins,” “2.42 million active investing subscribers,” and assets under management of “approximately KSh 19.8 billion.” For a Shariah-compliant option, it said Ziidi Shariah had “approximately 836,000 opt-ins,” more than “102,000 investing subscribers” and assets under management of “approximately KSh 154 million.”

On insurance, the report said Tuunza had “approximately 759,000 opt-ins,” with “87,000 customers purchasing cover,” covering more than “205,000 lives” through over “7,100 active policies.”

At the lower end of savings products, it reported Ziidi Pochi had “approximately 1.46 million opt-ins,” nearly “196,000 active saving users,” and assets under management of “approximately KSh 318 million.” It also said Ziidi Biashara had recorded “approximately 25,000 opt-ins.”

For Kenya’s financial services and capital markets, the continued expansion of mobile money into savings, investment and insurance points to deeper competition for customer deposits and investment flows, while also widening access for first-time investors and informal earners who typically transact in small amounts.

The next milestones will be reflected in subsequent CA quarterly sector statistics, which are expected to show whether subscription gains sustain and whether agent growth translates into higher activity, as mobile money providers expand product offerings beyond payments.