NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 7 – Safaricom has revealed it spent Sh153 billion on local suppliers in the financial year ended March 2025, in what the telco says underscores its growing focus on sustainable sourcing and economic empowerment across the country.
The telco, in its 2025 Sustainable Business Report, disclosed that 84 percent of the company’s suppliers were locally based.
It revealed that women, youth, and persons with disabilities (Special Interest Groups) accounted for 10.8 percent of its total procurement spend, equivalent to Sh3.2 billion.
The company said the initiative reflects its commitment to promoting inclusive growth and ensuring equal access to business opportunities.
“Our commitment to responsible business is anchored in sustainability and inclusion,” said Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa.
“We continue to embed Environmental, Social, and Governance principles across all operations to drive equitable growth.”
The report shows that Safaricom’s procurement activities generated significant multiplier effects in the economy, supporting over 1.3 million direct and indirect jobs through its supplier network, capital investments, and M-PESA agent ecosystem.
Director of Sustainable Business and Social Impact Karen Basiye said the company’s local sourcing model remains central to its sustainability strategy.
“Local sourcing is not just about procurement; it’s about building Kenya’s capacity for innovation and economic independence,” she said.
“Our supplier relationships are guided by transparency, accountability, and mutual growth.”
According to the Telco, the move is a deliberate shift toward strengthening domestic value chains and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
