Safaricom has announced that its mobile network now serves over 50 million customers in Kenya, marking a major milestone as the company approaches its 25th anniversary in October.

Revealing the achievement on Thursday, the telecommunications firm said the growth reflects strong customer loyalty and the success of its user-driven campaigns such as Sambaza Furaha and the recently introduced M-PESA Sokoni digital marketplace.

“This achievement is a testament to the strong bond we’ve nurtured with Kenyans over the past 25 years,” said Group CEO Peter Ndegwa. “We remain committed to being a force for good and continuously innovating for our customers’ future.”

Starting in 2000 with just 17,000 subscribers, Safaricom has grown into the country’s largest telco, playing a central role in reshaping mobile services and financial inclusion through platforms like M-PESA, which has since evolved into a full digital finance ecosystem.

The company also continues to expand its footprint beyond Kenya. In Ethiopia, where it launched operations in 2022, Safaricom has already attracted over 10 million users, showing strong momentum in the regional market.

In addition to mobile services, the telco has heavily invested in digital infrastructure to improve connectivity and service quality. It has rolled out 3G, 4G, and more recently 5G networks across Kenya to support faster, more reliable internet access.

With its 25th anniversary approaching, Safaricom says it will continue to build on its foundation of innovation and customer service to drive future growth.