Two lobby groups, Katiba Institute and KICTANet, have raised concerns about allegations that Safaricom has been providing security agencies access to its customers’ data over the years.
The groups have written to the telecommunications giant demanding clarification and transparency on the issue. They argue that such practices, if true, infringe on data privacy rights, violating constitutional guarantees under Kenya’s Data Protection Act.
The controversy stems from a report alleging that Safaricom has assisted authorities in tracking and apprehending suspects by sharing customer information without sufficient safeguards or oversight.
Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom, Kenya’s leading communications company in Africa, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), gestures as he speaks during an interview with AFP at the company’s headquarters in Nairobi on Septemer 11, 2020. – Safaricom is also the pioneer of M-PESA, the world’s most developed payment system. (Photo by Simon MAINA / AFP) (Photo by SIMON MAINA/AFP via Getty Images)
These claims have prompted the rights organizations to seek details about the extent of Safaricom’s cooperation with security agencies, as well as measures the company has implemented to protect customer data.
Safaricom, in response, has previously maintained a stance on prioritizing customer privacy, even dismissing 22 employees for breaching data protection policies.
However, the recent allegations demand a more robust explanation to restore public confidence in the company’s operations​​​​.
The lobby groups emphasized the need for Safaricom to uphold the highest standards of accountability and transparency, ensuring that any collaboration with government agencies complies with legal and ethical guidelines.
The matter underscores the growing tension between national security needs and individual data privacy rights in an era of digital surveillance​​.
This situation places Safaricom under scrutiny as it seeks to balance its role as a service provider with its responsibility to protect the privacy of millions of customers.
Over the past few months, Safaricom alongside it’s CEO Peter Ndegwa has been on the receiving end from Kenyans who have continued to allege its role in increasing cases of extra-judicial killings, abductions as well as professional misconduct.
