Safaricom Eyes Mergers, Acquisitions, and Digital Health in Its Next Growth Chapter

Safaricom PLC is entering a bold new phase in its evolution, with CEO Peter Ndegwa signaling a strategic pivot toward mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to fuel the company’s future growth. In a recent interview with The Kenyan Wall Street, Ndegwa emphasized that the company is looking beyond organic growth to accelerate expansion, diversify its offerings, and entrench itself deeper into the digital economy.

But this M&A-driven agenda isn’t the only transformational move on Safaricom’s radar. In a separate interview on Citizen TV, Ndegwa provided more context about the company’s wider ambitions—including its critical role in digitizing Kenya’s healthcare system through the Social Health Authority (SHA) initiative.

From Telco to Tech Giant

Safaricom’s shift to M&A is aligned with its long-term vision of becoming a fully-fledged technology company. The focus areas for potential acquisitions include cybersecurity, ICT services, broadband infrastructure, and fintech—sectors that complement its existing enterprise and consumer offerings. Ndegwa noted that such acquisitions would help Safaricom enhance its service delivery, especially for corporate clients, and help it scale new products faster.

The strategy marks a departure from traditional telecom growth, with the company now prioritizing partnerships and investments that can deliver both scale and agility. With eyes also set on regional markets, Safaricom is evaluating opportunities to deepen its presence in East Africa and beyond.

Clarifying the Company’s Role in SHA

In the Citizen TV interview, Ndegwa addressed growing public interest in Safaricom’s involvement with SHA—a nationwide initiative intended to digitize healthcare services and ensure universal health access. He was clear: Safaricom is not managing funds or delivering health services. Instead, the telco is supplying digital infrastructure, such as tablets for community health workers, and enhancing network connectivity to support seamless healthcare delivery.

Importantly, Safaricom has not yet been paid for this work. Ndegwa explained that compensation will only be provided after successful implementation and verification of project milestones, reinforcing the company’s commitment to accountability and value delivery.

Tech with Purpose

These two interviews collectively paint a picture of a company doubling down on innovation, social impact, and strategic expansion. Whether it’s acquiring high-potential startups or enabling a digitally connected healthcare system, Safaricom is positioning itself as a purpose-led tech leader in the region.

As Safaricom turns the page into this new chapter, industry watchers will be paying close attention to how these bold strategies shape not just the company’s future, but also Kenya’s evolving digital ecosystem.

Watch the full interviews for more insight:

• Kenyan Wall Street Interview – Peter Ndegwa on M&A Strategy

• Citizen TV Power Talk – Peter Ndegwa on SHA and Safaricom’s Tech Vision