The High Court of Kenya has blocked Vodacom’s acquisition of a further 20% share in Safaricom.
Vodacom had agreed to buy 15% of Safaricom from the government of Kenya and 5% from Vodafone International Holdings via Vodafone Kenya.
This was greenlighted on 26 June 2026, when the Court of Appeal in Nairobi granted the Attorney General’s application to lift the conservatory order relating to the transaction.
The acquisition was (“accordingly completed on 30 June 2026, increasing Vodacom’s effective shareholding in Safaricom to 55%.
However, the High Court of Kenya yesterday (15 September) provided a judgment on a petition against the acquisition.
According to a statement from Vodacom, the company will review the judgment and its implications. In the meantime, it will also lodge an appeal against the decision with the Court of Appeal, as well as an application to stay the matter until an appeal is heard.