Peter Ndegwa CEO of Safaricom dancing anguka nayo with Kenyan Tit toker during a media engagement in Nairobi on Saturday.
Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa engaged with members of the digital media community, including publishers, bloggers, content creators, and influencers, as part of the company’s ongoing Sambaza Furaha na Safaricom Christmas campaign.
The event, which brought together key players in the online space, underscored Safaricom’s commitment to supporting Kenyan passion points, community empowerment, connectivity, and digital innovation.
Speaking during the media engagement in Nairobi, Ndegwa highlighted Safaricom’s role as a staunch supporter of Kenyan passion points such as sports, music, and the arts. He emphasized the company’s dedication to celebrating what resonates deeply with Kenyans.
“Many of you write about sports, music, arts, and other elements that drive passion in our country. We are the biggest supporter of these passion points and will continue to invest in them. Over the past 24 years, we have spent about KSh 2 billion promoting these areas,” Ndegwa stated.
The CEO reiterated Safaricom’s focus on community development through its flagship initiatives: the Safaricom Foundation and the M-PESA Foundation. The two Foundations mainly focus on Health, Education and Economic empowerment for a sustainable future for all Kenyans in all the 47 counties.
“We spend more on our foundations than on brand promotions and commercial ventures. This reflects our commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of Kenyans,” Ndegwa said.
As a leader in Kenya’s telecommunications industry, Safaricom places great importance on connectivity. Ndegwa noted that Safaricom’s role in linking people to opportunities and enabling businesses remains a cornerstone of its operations.
Peter Ndegwa, CEO Safaricom
“Through our connectivity business and M-PESA, we ensure Kenyans are connected to each other and to opportunities. We recognize that many of you depend on our services, particularly data, for your work,” he explained.
Ndegwa also addressed the critical issue of data privacy and security, reassuring customers of Safaricom’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding personal and financial information.
“We hold customer privacy at the core of our operations. If a customer loses money through no fault of their own, we are working on mechanisms to ensure they feel secure with Safaricom,” he announced.
On the topic of artificial intelligence (AI), Ndegwa revealed Safaricom’s plans to enhance AI-driven solutions while ensuring no jobs are lost due to technological advancements.
“We are developing initiatives to educate Kenyans on AI and promote tech literacy, especially among women. Our goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge needed to adapt to new technologies while fostering inclusivity,” he said.
(LR) Felicity Gitonga, digital journalist from Africa Business News, (Center) Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa and Anne Nyambura digital journalist from Nipashebiz.co.ke, sharing SambazaFurahaNaSafaricom campaign during a media engagement in Nairobi
The Sambaza Furaha na Safaricom campaign, which began on November 9, 2024, at Ndumberi Primary School, has toured Rift Valley Region, Mountain Region and from Monday the caravan will be in Western region then Nairobi and closes in the Coastal Region mid of December. The initiative celebrates the festive season by engaging with communities and gifting participants with goats, chicken shoppings, mobile phones, airtime, smartwatches, and shopping vouchers.
Ndegwa lauded the online community for amplifying Safaricom’s message and encouraged them to verify stories and prioritize truth in their reporting.
“As digital content creators, you play a significant role in shaping narratives. We urge you to come to us for clarification whenever necessary and ensure that Kenyans receive truthful, accurate information,” he said.
With the promise of a significant announcement regarding M-PESA’s security enhancements on the horizon, Safaricom continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and community impact. As the Sambaza Furaha na Safaricom caravan moves forward, it reflects the company’s enduring mission to connect and uplift the lives of Kenyans.
This engagement underscores Safaricom’s role as a catalyst for positive change and a partner to Kenya’s online and offline communities.