Kenyans have expressed outrage toward Safaricom following its latest campaign to celebrate the company’s 24th anniversary.
The nationwide initiative, meant to mark the telco giant’s milestone, has reignited frustration over recent actions that many believe reflect a disregard for customers’ privacy and rights.
This backlash was triggered by multiple controversies in recent months. First, Safaricom was accused of sharing customer call records with police, allegedly aiding security agencies in carrying out extrajudicial activities.
Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa. Source: Facebook
This move, seen as an infringement on privacy, has deeply unsettled Kenyans who feel their data should be safeguarded rather than shared.
The anger further escalated after a network outage during Gen Z-led protests in June, which left demonstrators cut off at a crucial time.
Although Safaricom insisted it was a technical issue, the timing led many to suspect that it was intentional. Most recently, the telco reportedly blocked access to Telegram during the KCSE exams to prevent exam leakage, impacting students and everyday users alike.
A post on X by an aggrieved user says “Safaricom, we’ll remember not to forget.” For many Kenyans, this phrase symbolizes a growing discontent and a call for accountability.
As Safaricom commemorates 24 years in the country, it now faces tough questions from customers who feel alienated by recent actions.
While the company’s anniversary campaign aims to celebrate its impact on Kenyan society, many are urging Safaricom to address these concerns and rebuild trust by prioritizing transparency and upholding customer privacy in the future.
