Safaricom, a leading telecommunications company in Kenya, has terminated the employment of 118 staff members due to fraudulent activities. This move is part of the company's efforts to combat fraud and uphold its code of conduct. The dismissals, which were revealed in Safaricom's 2026 Sustainable Business Report, represent a slight increase from the 113 dismissals recorded in the previous year. The report highlights the company's commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards fraud and corruption.
In addition to the employee dismissals, Safaricom has also lodged 14 cases with the police and other law enforcement agencies. This number is double the seven cases reported in the prior year, indicating a significant increase in the company's efforts to tackle fraud. Furthermore, Safaricom issued three disciplinary warnings, marking the first time such warnings have been included in its recent reports. The company's investigations into fraud cases resulted in a total of 118 cases being probed over the twelve-month period.
The Sustainable Business Report, released on October 27, 2026, provides detailed information on Safaricom's ethics, staff, and fraud management. Notably, the report only covers Safaricom's Kenyan operations, and staff in its Ethiopian subsidiary are excluded from these counts. The company's efforts to combat fraud are part of its broader strategy to maintain a strong and transparent business environment. Safaricom's workforce in Kenya stood at 5,939 employees at the end of March 2026.
Safaricom has also established a dedicated line to process fraud complaints, which receives approximately 1,500 complaints each month. The company has seen a rise in fraud incidents each year since 2022, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and robust anti-fraud measures. In the 2026 financial year, Safaricom reported an 82% reduction in fraud incidents, although the basis for this percentage is not disclosed.
In terms of financial recovery, Safaricom reported that it recovered 46% of the money customers reported losing due to fraud. Additionally, the company recovered KES 953 million linked to inflated commissions paid to M-PESA agents. While the report does not directly link this recovery to the dismissed staff, it underscores the company's efforts to mitigate the financial impact of fraudulent activities.
The 118 dismissals represent roughly one in every 50 staff members, highlighting the scope of Safaricom's efforts to address fraud within its organization. The company's commitment to tackling fraud is evident in its increased reporting of cases to law enforcement agencies and its focus on maintaining a strong code of conduct. This approach is expected to contribute to a more secure and transparent business environment for Safaricom and its stakeholders.
As Safaricom continues to enhance its anti-fraud measures, the company is likely to face ongoing challenges in this area. However, its proactive approach and commitment to transparency are expected to yield positive results in the long term. The company's efforts to combat fraud will be closely watched by stakeholders, including customers, investors, and regulatory bodies.
Key points
- Safaricom dismissed 118 employees for fraud and reported 14 cases to law enforcement in the 2026 financial year.
- The company's investigations into fraud cases resulted in a total of 118 cases being probed over the twelve-month period.
- Safaricom recovered KES 953 million linked to inflated commissions paid to M-PESA agents and 46% of the money customers reported losing due to fraud.
