Safaricom (NSE: SCOM) has announced a 52.1% growth in group net income to KES.42.8billion for the six months to 30th September 2025, demonstrating resilience and growth across its Kenya and Ethiopia operations.

In its Kenya operations the company recorded a 22.6% growth in Net income to KES 58.2billion, 9.3% jump in service revenue to KES 194.0billion, and 13.1% growth in EBIT to KES 89.5billion.

In Ethiopia, losses reduced by 20.1% year-on-year to KES (15.5 billion), even as pricing and currency reform challenges perpersisted.

"This is a strong set of results, and a solid start to our Vision 2030 strategy cycle, maintaining our FY26 guidance. We remain focused on executing our strategy through segment-led execution and integrated solutions,” said Peter Ndegwa, Group CEO, Safaricom.

In addition to the strong set of results, the company continued to invest heavily in communities. Safaricom recently launched the Citizens of the Future program, an initiative set to benefit 500 schools with infrastructure upgrades, 10,000 scholarships and over 56,000 beneficiaries of digital literacy over the next five years.

“It has been 25 years of transforming lives, through innovation and community empowerment, a journey powered by purpose and collaboration. We have transformed the lives of over 22 million Kenyans through the Safaricom and M-PESA Foundations. We remain anchored in purpose, driving sustainable growth and positive change,” Ndegwa said.

Further, the company launched Safaricom Ethiopia Foundation in July this year, investing over ETB 650million in community projects under education, youth and economic empowerment, a demonstration of the company’s commitment to purpose before profit.

Pungulu Pa Productions is proud to announce the launch of PUNGULU PARTY! – a one-of-a-kind children’s festival that will take place in Nairobi on Sunday 7th December 2025 at Parade Ring, Ngong Race Course from 12 - 7 PM. PUNGULU PARTY! festival will bring the world of Uli & Tata’s African Nursery Rhymes to life through an immersive, family-friendly experience celebrating African culture, music, art and heritage. It will create a joyful space where families can connect, play and share in the rhythms, rhymes and beauty of African creativity together.

TICKETS TO PUNGULU PARTY NOW AVAILABLE ON MOOKH

Inspired by the success of the Uli & Tata animated series, PUNGULU PARTY! will be a celebration of African creativity, nature and culture, featuring interactive showcases and live performances, including African nursery rhyme sessions, puppet shows depicting nature’s wonders, traditional games and activities designed to engage children and families in playful learning and cultural discovery.

The festival will also feature Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and self-defence workshops and demonstrations specially designed for children, promoting confidence, discipline and physical wellness in a fun, family-friendly environment. It will also include a uniquely curated marketplace highlighting sustainable, child-friendly products such as locally made toys, fashion, art and food — showcasing the best of Made in Kenya creativity. 

Chief Nyamweya, Creative Director of Uli & Tata’s African Nursery Rhymes, explains: “After the release of the first 11 episodes, we realized families didn’t just want to watch Uli & Tata; they wanted to step into the world of the show. Parents asked us for real-life experiences that could bring the magic to life for their children. That’s how PUNGULU PARTY! was born — a pop-up festival where kids and their parents can sing, dance, play and discover together.”

At its core, PUNGULU PARTY! focuses on music, storytelling, crafts, cuisine and fashion. Every aspect of the event is thoughtfully rooted in indigenous traditions, while highlighting modern expressions of Kenyan and African identity. Through the festival, Pungulu Pa Productions (producers of Uli & Tata) aims to ignite pride in local heritage among children and families, as well as preserve and evolve African cultural knowledge for future generations.

The creation of PUNGULU PARTY! event was inspired by the groundbreaking Uli & Tata’s African Nursery Rhymes that debuted in 2014.

The animated series follows the adventures of two Kenyan siblings who discover magical instruments in their Nairobi home, summoning Tuki, an ancient giant turaco bird from the Kakamega Forest, Kenya’s last remaining tropical rainforest. Together, they journey across Kenya and Tanzania, exploring diverse landscapes, cultures and nursery rhymes.

Blending animation, music and cultural storytelling, the series celebrates Africa’s rich heritage while offering children an engaging and educational exploration of their world. Each episode weaves traditional stories, local songs and valuable cultural lessons that inspire young audiences to appreciate their roots and the beauty of Africa’s natural and cultural diversity.

Uli & Tata’s African Nursery Rhymes addresses the lack of African-centered content in children’s media, ensuring African children and the global diaspora see themselves reflected in the entertainment they consume.

Sarah Mallia, Producer of the series says, “Many parents want their children to grow up proud of who they are and where they come from and that’s exactly what we wanted to achieve with Uli & Tata and this festival,” adding on the production’s collaboration with Kenyan artists, musicians, storytellers and cultural practitioners, “We’re nurturing talent while also shaping a future where culture drives creativity, job creation and social transformation. We want to inspire the next generation through authentic African stories, helping them connect with their roots.”

Through PUNGULU PARTY!, Pungulu Pa Productions continues to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for African heritage, offering families a joyful, engaging way to connect with their roots. 

Safaricom (NSE: SCOM) has unveiled a nationwide promotion dubbed ‘Shangwe @25’, marking 25 years of connecting and transforming lives.

The campaign will reward customers with exciting prizes and extend the celebration to communities across Kenya through shared impact initiatives.

As part of the promotion, 25 customers will become millionaires, each winning KES 1 million alongside an additional KES 250,000 to support a community project of their choice. In doing so, every win will have a ripple effect – uplifting both the individual and their community.

In addition, 25 Small & Micro business will each win a Bajaj Tricycle to power business mobility while 15 Large and Medium Enterprises will each receive KES 500,000 to support community projects of their choice. Every week, five (5) Small & Micro business will also win stock worth KES 250,000.

There will also be winners of airtime, data bundles, 5G routers, mobile devices and instant M-PESA cash prizes ranging between KES 100 to KES 10,000. 

This year’s festive season will feature the ‘Green Box’ experience, where customers will unwrap surprises ranging from devices to festive treats like chicken, goats, sheep bringing a touch of joy to homes across the country.

“For 25 years, Safaricom has been at the heart of Kenya’s transformation, connecting people to people, people to opportunities and people to knowledge. As we mark this milestone, we celebrate not just our journey but the millions of customers, partners and communities who have made it possible. ‘Shangwe @25’ is our way of saying thank you and ensuring that when one customer wins, their community wins too,” said Peter Ndegwa Safaricom Group CEO.

The promotion will roll out through regional launches and market activations across the country, engaging customers and ensuring broad participation.

Customers can enter the promotion by simply transacting on M-PESA, including sending money, paying with M-PESA, redeeming or using Bonga Points, or purchasing any Safaricom product such as data bundles, voice bundles, digital products, integrated bundles, or Home Fibre subscriptions and renewals. Post Pay and Home Fibre Family Share customers are also eligible to participate in the ‘Shangwe za 25’ promotion.

For merchants, participation involves buying, renewing, or reactivating any business solutions, including Buy Goods and Pochi La Biashara, to stand a chance to win.

M-PESA agents who carry out deposit or withdrawal transactions of KES 1,000 or more will also earn entries into the promotion and stand a chance to win.

Senator Hamida Kibwana has sought clarity regarding the government's new mandatory food labeling regulations. 

The legislator emphasized that this is a matter of national concern since it is directly related to Kenya’s efforts to tackle the increasing rates of obesity and other diet-related diseases.

As a nation committed to the WHO Global Action Plan on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), the Ministry of Health, working through the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), has introduced these significant new rules. 

These regulations will require packaged foods to display clear nutritional information, specifically highlighting high levels of sugar, salt, and fat.

Furthermore, products containing harmful levels of these ingredients must carry front-of-pack warnings, a measure designed to help consumers, particularly children and youth in urban areas, make healthier choices.

While seeking a Statement from the Committee on Health on the floor of the House this afternoon, Senator Kibwana urged the Ministry of Health and the Committee to provide clarity on the strategies that the Kenya Bureau of Standards has put in place to ensure full compliance with the new regulations by all manufacturers and retailers.

She tasked the Senator Jackson Mandago-led Committee to explain to the Senate the plans that the Ministry of Health has put in place to effectively educate the public on how to interpret and properly use the new nutritional labels.

"The Health Committee must also tell this House the enforcement mechanisms that the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) has established to address and prevent the use of misleading or non-compliant labels," Senator Hamida submitted. 

Senator Hamida urged the Govenment to improve the affordability and access to healthy food options, a necessary step, especially for low-income households.

The Health Committee will, subsequently, invite the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, to elucidate on the matter afterwhich it will table a Report on the floor of the Senate.

As part of its ongoing effort to expand digital inclusion in Kenya, Safaricom has announced a strategic partnership with Naivas Supermarket, a collaboration that will see 5G Home Internet devices made available across all Naivas outlets countrywide.

The partnership with Naivas is part of Safaricom’s Silver Jubilee celebrations, as the company marks 25 years of connecting and transforming lives in Kenya and beyond.

The collaboration brings Safaricom’s 5G For Home internet solutions closer to customers, enhancing accessibility and convenience for households seeking fast and reliable connectivity.

Since its inception, Safaricom has evolved from a pioneering mobile service provider into a purpose-led technology company, transforming lives through improved connectivity, innovative mobile money solutions, and impactful social investments not only in Kenya, but across the region.

"We are proud to partner with Naivas Supermarket to bring our internet connectivity closer to customers. It marks a major milestone in our journey as Safaricom to expanding access to high-speed internet through both traditional and alternative channels,” said Fawzia Ali, Chief Consumer Business Officer at Safaricom.

The partnership comes as Naivas, Kenya’s largest retail chain also celebrates 35 years of service.

Through this collaboration, Safaricom aims to make internet access more convenient for households and businesses by bringing it closer to customers who shop at Naivas outlets.

As part of this milestone celebration, Safaricom will showcase its cutting-edge 5G internet solutions, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and digital transformation in Kenya.

Earlier this year, the telco also partnered with Quickmart to accelerate 4G and 5G Home Internet access across all its 61 outlets nationwide, a move that has made internet devices more easily and conveniently accessible to Safaricom customers.

In addition to Naivas and Quickmart outlets, customers can also purchase 4G and 5G routers, both retailing at KES 2,999, at Safaricom Retail Shops, authorized dealers, and online via Masoko.co.ke.

Safaricom has also recently upgraded its Home Fibre service, increasing speeds on the Entry Package from 10Mbps to 15Mbps at no extra cost. New customers can now subscribe to the 15Mbps plan for KES 2,999.

This upgrade enhances the overall home internet experience, offering faster and more reliable connectivity for everyday browsing, streaming, and remote work.

With the rollout of 5G technology, Safaricom has positioned Kenya as a regional leader in digital innovation, enabling faster internet speeds, supporting emerging technologies, and improving service delivery across multiple sectors including convenient access to government services from any location. 

Jomvu Member of Parliament Badi Twalib has delivered on a pledge made by Deputy President Rigathi Kindiki to support families who lost their loved ones in a recent boat tragedy.

The tragic incident, which occurred during a boat racing tournament claimed three lives.

Speaking during the handover ceremony of shs 3 million to the families , MP Twalib said the assistance was part of the government’s commitment to stand with affected families during difficult times.

He noted that the support was meant to ease the families’ burden as they continue to recover from the loss of their relatives.

He expressed gratitude to the Deputy President for honoring his word, saying the gesture reflected the government’s empathy and responsiveness to citizens’ needs.

“The Deputy President made a promise to these families, and today we have ensured that the pledge is fulfilled. This is a sign that our leaders care about the welfare of the people,” Twalib said.

The Mp expressed solidarity with the affected families, assuring them of continued support until their loved ones are laid to rest.

“We have walked together in this journey, and we shall still be together until we give our loved ones a befitting send-off,” said Badi.

On his part, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said the County Government is in the process of initiating special diving training for members of the Beach Management Units (BMUs) and survivors from the accident.

He said the training will enhance emergency response capacity and improve safety measures for those involved in water transport and rescue operations along the coastline.

“We are now getting into the December holiday and there will be a lot of activities on our beaches. The youth will get special diving training from the Kenya Navy,” said Governor Nassir.

The Mombasa County Government has unveiled a new initiative aimed at addressing the persistent garbage problem across the county.

County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Lands, Mohamed Hussein Amadoh, said the issue of waste management in Mombasa has long been a challenge, emphasizing the need for discipline in how residents handle garbage.

"The issue of garbage has been a thorn in our county for years, but under the leadership of Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, we are determined to find a lasting solution. A clean city is not just about beauty — it’s about attracting investors and creating opportunities." Said Amadoh.

Adding "To our youth, as you take part in this effort, don’t focus only on the money see it as a service to your county and a chance to build a better Mombasa.

On her part, Kibibi Abdallah, the County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Environment and Water, said the county has rolled out a three-month pilot program involving 500 youth operating 41 tuktuks to collect garbage from various estates.

"This initiative will open up job opportunities for our youth, who will be directly involved in collecting garbage from homes to designated drop-off points. We have also set aside a special fumigation day every month, and all these activities will be spearheaded by our young people, giving them both income and pride in serving their community.” she said

She noted that the initiative, implemented through Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), will see the youth pick up waste from residential areas and deliver it to transfer centers for proper disposal.

Speaking during the registration of the CBOs in Mombasa, Ms. Abdallah said the program will ultimately benefit about 3,000 youth while also improving cleanliness and creating sustainable employment opportunities.

Shimoni Port in Kwale County marked a historic milestone on Sunday  after receiving its first-ever cruise ship, signaling a major boost for tourism and the blue economy in Kenya’s coastal region.

The luxury vessel SH Diana operated by Swan Hellenic Expeditions carrying 120 tourists and 129 crew members docked at the newly developed port early Sundat morning, drawing excitement among local residents and officials.

The arrival of the cruise ship underscores Shimoni’s growing importance as a new maritime and tourism hub, complementing the long-established MMombasa and Lamu ports.

The port’s strategic location near marine parks, Wasini Island, and the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Reserve makes it an attractive destination for cruise tourism.

Speaking during the reception ceremony, Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani lauded the milestone, noting that it reflects ongoing government efforts to diversify port operations and promote sustainable tourism.

She added that the event would open doors for more cruise liners to include Shimoni on their itineraries.

"This is a cler sign that Kwale is positioning itself as a top Coastal tourist destination in the country" said Achani.

Adding " I extend my appreciation to President William Ruti for hastening the completion of the port that also seeks to enhance the marine and Blue Economy sectors in the country.

The ship is also expected to visit the Mombasa and Lamu ports.