The High Court has ruled that the Kenyan government's sale of a 15 percent stake in Safaricom to Vodacom was unconstitutional. The decision, issued on September 15, 2026, orders the shares be restored to the state. The court found the transaction violated legal procedures, invalidating the sale.
Vodacom had acquired the stake in a deal valued at over Sh204 billion. The ruling marks a reversal of a completed transaction, with the shares now to be returned to government control. Legal experts suggest the decision may lead to further legal challenges as Vodacom seeks to appeal.
The court's ruling highlights ongoing tensions around state-owned enterprises and foreign investment in Kenya. The case underscores the legal framework governing public asset transfers. The government has not yet commented on the next steps following the court's order.
The decision comes less than three months after the stake was sold, raising questions about the legal process and transparency in such transactions. The case may set a precedent for future disputes involving state assets and foreign ownership.
