Kenya’s leading telecommunications company, Safaricom, is marking its 25th anniversary with a series of customer rewards, special offers, and community-driven initiatives. The celebrations highlight the company’s journey from a small mobile operator to one of Africa’s most influential technology and innovation brands.

A Milestone of Innovation and Growth

Safaricom began operations in 2000 with fewer than 20,000 customers. Today, it connects more than 45 million subscribers across Kenya and has become a key player in mobile money, data services, and digital innovation through M-PESA, its flagship mobile payment platform.

The company says its 25th anniversary is not only a celebration of longevity but also a reflection of how technology has transformed lives and businesses across Kenya.

In a statement, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said the company’s focus remains on empowering customers and driving digital inclusion.

“Our journey has always been about transforming lives. As we celebrate 25 years, we renew our commitment to connecting people, communities, and opportunities across Kenya,” he said.

Customer Rewards and Offers

To mark the milestone, Safaricom has rolled out a range of customer rewards that include:

• Bonus airtime and data bundles for loyal customers.
• Discounts on selected devices and accessories in Safaricom shops.
• M-PESA rewards through special anniversary promotions.

The company has also announced exclusive draws where customers can win cash prizes, smartphones, and shopping vouchers throughout the celebration period.

Community Impact and Social Responsibility

As part of the 25th anniversary celebrations, Safaricom is investing in several community projects under its corporate social responsibility programs. These include:

• Expanding access to education through the M-PESA Foundation Academy.
• Supporting health initiatives, especially in maternal and child care.
• Strengthening environmental sustainability efforts through tree planting and green energy projects.

Safaricom says it will continue to focus on sustainability, digital literacy, and innovation that benefits both urban and rural communities.

A Legacy of Digital Transformation

Over the years, Safaricom has played a central role in shaping Kenya’s digital economy. The introduction of M-PESA in 2007 revolutionized how Kenyans send and receive money, inspiring similar systems across Africa.

Today, the company’s innovations extend beyond telecommunications — including investments in fintech, agriculture, education, and health technology.

As it enters its next chapter, Safaricom plans to strengthen its 5G rollout, expand its M-PESA ecosystem, and explore new frontiers such as artificial intelligence and cloud solutions.

Looking Ahead

Safaricom’s 25th anniversary is both a celebration and a challenge — a reminder of how far Kenya’s technology sector has come, and how much potential lies ahead.

The company’s continued focus on innovation, inclusion, and customer experience positions it as a driving force in Kenya’s digital transformation journey.

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has announced a new levy on goods and services, a move that is expected to raise consumer prices across several sectors. The levy is part of the government’s effort to strengthen quality control, enhance product certification, and boost revenue collection.

What the New KEBS Levy Means

According to KEBS, the new levy will apply to both locally manufactured and imported goods that fall under mandatory standards certification. The levy is intended to help fund inspection, testing, and market surveillance activities carried out by the agency.

While the exact percentage varies depending on product category, the levy is generally expected to range between 0.5% and 1% of the value of goods. Importers, manufacturers, and distributors will be required to factor in the charge when pricing their products.

Impact on Consumers

Industry players have warned that the new KEBS levy will likely increase the cost of everyday products, including household goods, electronics, and building materials.
Manufacturers say that most businesses will pass the additional cost down to consumers.

Small traders have also expressed concern that the levy could make Kenyan goods less competitive compared to those from neighboring countries, especially within the East African Community (EAC) market.

For consumers, the impact could be felt in supermarkets and hardware stores as suppliers adjust their prices to accommodate the new fee.

Why KEBS Introduced the Levy

KEBS says the new levy is necessary to fund its expanding mandate, which includes:

• Enhancing quality checks on imports and locally produced goods.
• Reducing counterfeit and substandard products in the market.
• Supporting laboratory upgrades and modern testing equipment.

The bureau argues that ensuring product quality and consumer safety requires adequate funding, and the levy will make its operations more sustainable.

Reactions from Business Groups

Business associations, including the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), have urged KEBS to reconsider the timing of the levy, citing high inflation and increased production costs.

They argue that while improving product standards is important, the additional charge could hurt businesses already struggling with high electricity tariffs, taxes, and logistics costs.

Economists have also noted that the levy could push up inflation slightly, especially in sectors like retail, construction, and automotive parts.

Government’s Position

The Ministry of Trade and Industry has defended the levy, saying it aligns with Kenya’s goal of improving product quality and protecting consumers from harmful or counterfeit goods. Officials say that long-term benefits — such as safer products and a level playing field for genuine manufacturers — will outweigh the short-term price effects.

The government has also assured businesses that it will continue consultations with private sector representatives to ensure the levy’s implementation is gradual and fair.

What’s Next

KEBS is expected to publish detailed regulations outlining which products fall under the new levy and how the charges will be applied. Businesses are advised to review their pricing models and prepare for compliance before enforcement begins.

Conclusion

The new KEBS levy marks another major shift in Kenya’s regulatory landscape. While it aims to improve product quality and safety, its introduction is likely to raise consumer prices in the short term.
Balancing consumer protection with affordability will be key as Kenya’s manufacturers, traders, and policymakers navigate the impact of this new regulation.

Kenya has announced a new 15 percent minimum tax targeting multinational companies operating in the country. The measure is part of the government’s plan to make global corporations pay a fair share of taxes and to align Kenya with international tax reforms under the OECD and G20 framework.

What the New Rule Means

The new law will apply to multinational groups with a global annual turnover of at least EUR 750 million, or about KSh 95 billion, in two of the previous four years.

If such a company pays less than 15 percent in corporate taxes in Kenya, it will now be required to pay a “top-up tax” to meet that minimum rate.
For example, a company paying 10 percent tax will add 5 percent more to reach the new threshold.

This change ensures that large global companies contribute equally to Kenya’s economy, even if they operate under tax incentives or enjoy exemptions.

Why the Government Introduced It

Kenya’s decision aims to stop profit-shifting, where companies move profits to countries with lower tax rates. For years, such practices have reduced the amount of tax that developing countries like Kenya collect.

By implementing this rule, the government hopes to strengthen local revenue collection and promote tax fairness. It also aligns Kenya with the Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) model rules under the OECD’s Pillar Two framework.

Impact on Multinational Companies

The new regulation will affect many large multinational firms in sectors such as manufacturing, telecommunications, and finance. Here’s what they should expect:

1. Higher compliance demands
   Companies will need to calculate their effective tax rate in Kenya and report any shortfall below 15 percent. New filing formats will apply, including a top-up tax return.
2. Reduced tax incentive benefits
   Businesses operating in Export Processing Zones (EPZs) or Special Economic Zones (SEZs) may see reduced benefits if they must pay a top-up tax to meet the minimum rate.
3. Tighter reporting timelines
   Multinationals must file the required returns within six months after the end of their financial year and pay the top-up tax within four months.

How It Affects Kenya’s Business Environment

The 15 percent minimum tax is part of Kenya’s broader tax modernization efforts. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has been reforming its systems to close loopholes and increase compliance.

Although some investors worry that the new rule could raise business costs, tax experts believe it will make Kenya more transparent and aligned with international standards.

The policy also levels the playing field between local companies and global corporations that previously enjoyed lower effective tax rates.

What Happens Next

The KRA has invited public feedback on the draft regulations before they take effect. Once finalized, the new rules will officially guide how multinationals calculate and pay the top-up tax.

Companies are encouraged to review their tax structures early and assess whether they fall under the new threshold. Doing so will help them avoid penalties and ensure smooth compliance when the law is implemented.

Conclusion

Kenya’s introduction of a 15 percent minimum tax for multinationals marks a major shift in corporate taxation. It promotes fairness, discourages tax avoidance, and strengthens national revenue collection.

While compliance may increase for multinational companies, the long-term benefits include greater transparency, stronger governance, and a more balanced tax system.