Brief
Kenyan court fast‑tracks appeal on Vodacom’s Safaricom control
A Nairobi court order on 13 October maintains Vodacom’s control of Safaricom while the appeal proceeds.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Kenya’s Court of Appeal issued an order on 13 October that keeps Vodacom Group’s control of Safaricom in place until a fast‑tracked appeal is heard, TechCentral reported.
What happened
The court directed that the “prevailing status quo in respect of the shares and purchase consideration shall be maintained pending the hearing of the appeal” and that the matter will be listed before the registrar on 23 October for further directions. The bench comprised Justices Kathurima M’Inoti, Luka Kimaru and Johnson Okello.
What the reports add
The order follows an application by Kenya’s attorney‑general to suspend a high‑court judgment that declared the June 30 purchase of Safaricom shares “unconstitutional, null and void”. The high court had ruled the government failed to consult the public adequately.
What was said
In a statement to investors, Vodacom said its subsidiary Vodafone Kenya remains the registered holder of the Safaricom shares and that the purchase price “is to be preserved, pending the hearing of the appeal”. The company added it “remains confident in the strategic rationale for the acquisition”.
How it came about
The deal, announced in December, gave Vodacom a 55% stake in Safaricom after paying KSh34 per share for 15% from the Kenyan government and an effective 5% from Vodafone. A constitutional challenge by broadcaster Tony Gachoka and academic Frederick Ogola froze the transaction in March; the freeze was lifted on 26 June, allowing completion on 30 June. The high court’s 15 September ruling reversed that outcome, prompting the current appeal.
Key facts
- Kenya’s Court of Appeal ordered a fast‑track hearing on Vodacom’s appeal on 13 October (techcentral.co.za)
- The order maintains the status quo on Safaricom shares pending the appeal (techcentral.co.za)
- Vodacom said the purchase price will be preserved while the appeal proceeds (techcentral.co.za)
- The high court declared the June 30 acquisition unconstitutional on 15 September (techcentral.co.za)
Timeline
- 2026-06-26 — Court of Appeal lifted freeze on Safaricom deal
- 2026-06-30 — Vodacom completed acquisition of Safaricom shares
- 2026-09-15 — High Court declared the sale unconstitutional
- 2026-10-13 — Court of Appeal issued order to fast‑track appeal
- 2026-10-23 — Matter to be mentioned before registrar for directions
Sources
- [1] techcentral.co.za — originally reported as “Safaricom control to stay with Vodacom until appeal”
