Safaricom Bags Three Big Wins for Impact on Gender Diversity, Digital Insurance, and Mobile Retail Innovation

Safaricom is popping the champagne. The Kenyan tech giant has just scooped up not one, not two, but three major awards, cementing its position as more than just a mobile service provider. It’s now a symbol of innovation, inclusion, and everyday convenience, all wrapped in one green brand.

Here’s the quick scoop:

• USAWA Awards: Recognised for gender-balanced leadership.
• African Insurance Awards: Tunza Simu wins InsurTech of the Year.
• Kenya E-Commerce Awards: Masoko named top mobile devices e-store.

Let’s break it down.

A Boardroom Where Everyone Has a Seat

At the USAWA Awards, hosted by the National Gender and Equality Commission, Safaricom’s Board of Directors was honoured for walking the talk on gender inclusion. With five women sitting on its 2024 Board, the company isn’t just checking diversity boxes. It’s rewriting the boardroom playbook.

In a world where many boards still look like old boys’ clubs, Safaricom is proving that having women in top decision-making roles isn’t just progressive, it’s powerful. CEO Peter Ndegwa put it perfectly: “Diversity and inclusion for us is important to building a business that scales with purpose.”

Insuring Your Phone

Safaricom also made waves at the African Insurance Awards, where its Tunza Simu solution clinched 2025 InsurTech of the Year. If you’ve ever dropped your phone and felt your heart drop with it, Tunza Simu is the hero you didn’t know you needed.

Built by the M-PESA Financial Services Insurance Squad, the product lets you insure your phone straight from your M-PESA app. No long forms. No fine print. Just quick, affordable peace of mind.

I couldn’t find any useful resources online about Tunza Simu. In my M-PESA app, I have a “Device Cover” section under insurance services that is still under development with a “coming soon” release date.

Masoko: The E-Commerce Platform That Could

Safaricom’s Masoko platform also walked away with a gold medal at the Kenya E-Commerce Awards, specifically for being the Best Mobile Devices and Accessories Store. In a crowded online retail market, Masoko stood out by building a space that’s both secure and slick.

Kenyans love their phones, and they love convenience even more. Masoko gets that, offering competitive prices, huge discounts, and timely delivery for everything from smartphones to Bluetooth speakers. It’s become a trusted platform, especially in a time where fake electronics and unreliable online sellers are all too common.

A Purpose-Driven Future

All these wins come as Safaricom pursues an ambitious 2030 vision: to be Africa’s leading purpose-driven technology company. These awards show that vision isn’t just a corporate slogan, it’s showing up in boardrooms, in your M-PESA menu, and in your online cart.

“These recognitions serve as a strong reminder of our team’s commitment to impactful innovation,” said Dr. Ndegwa. “Whether it’s creating inclusive boardrooms, introducing everyday insurance or revolutionising online shopping for Kenyans, our priority stays consistent: to address the changing needs of our customers with integrity, empathy and courage.” 

With its latest string of awards, Safaricom isn’t just flexing. It’s proving that tech with heart can deliver real impact. Whether it’s fighting for equity, simplifying insurance, or improving how Kenyans shop online, it’s clear that Safaricom is keeping up with the times.