Mobile communications giants Safaricom has declared an interim dividend of Ksh0.85 per ordinary share for the financial year ending March 31, 2026, reflecting a significant increase from last year’s payout of Ksh0.55.
The company’s board approved this dividend during a meeting on February 4, 2026. Shareholders listed on the company’s register at the close of business on February 25, 2026, will be eligible for this payout, which Safaricom anticipates distributing around March 31, 2026.
In a statement dated February 5, 2026, the Board of Safaricom PLC expressed satisfaction in announcing the approval of the interim dividend of Ksh0.85 per ordinary share for the year ending March 31, 2026.
The interim dividend will be available to shareholders recorded on the Register of Members as of the close of business on February 25, 2026, with distribution expected on or about March 31, 2026.
Safaricom issued this notice in compliance with the Capital Markets Act and related regulations. The announcement, signed by Company Secretary Linda Wambani on February 5, 2026, includes a standard disclaimer from the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), which has approved the publication but disclaims responsibility for the accuracy of the information.
Safaricom continues to be listed and regulated on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE).
The substantial interim dividend signifies a remarkable 54.5 percent increase year-on-year, underscoring a robust half-year performance. In November 2025, Safaricom reported its results for the six months ending September 30, 2025, showcasing impressive growth across key business segments.
Service revenue surged by 11.1 percent to Ksh200 billion, primarily fueled by ongoing expansion in mobile money and data services. Net income soared by 52.1 percent compared to the same period last year, bolstered by stringent cost controls and increased customer engagement.
M-Pesa, Safaricom’s mobile money platform, emerged as a pivotal growth driver. The value of transactions rose significantly as more Kenyans turned to digital payments for their daily transactions.
This payout aligns with Safaricom’s dividend policy, designed to return a portion of earnings to shareholders while fostering long-term growth. In prior years, the company distributed interim dividends of Ksh0.55 in 2025, Ksh0.55 in 2024, and Ksh0.58 in 2023.
With approximately 40 billion shares outstanding, the interim dividend could result in Safaricom distributing over Ksh34 billion to its shareholders. This announcement comes as the Kenyan government deliberates on selling part of its stake in the company to Vodacom, a proposal currently under parliamentary review.
