When we look at the Kenyan tech landscape today, it is easy to take for granted the high-speed 5G connectivity and the ubiquity of mobile money. But the journey to becoming a fully-fledged technology company has been a tiered evolution. A recently surfaced document outlines Safaricom’s history in tech, tracing the path from the days of phone booths to the modern era of the Internet of Things (IoT).
Here is the breakdown of how Kenya’s leading telco evolved its stack over the last two decades.
The Foundation: The Split and The Launch (1993–2000)
The story begins in 1993 within the Kenya Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (KPTC). At the time, communication was analogue; people relied on phone booths and long-distance calls were a hassle.
The pivotal moment came with the dissolution of KPTC, which paved the way for the mobile era. By the year 2000, Safaricom officially launched, marking the start of a new era in connectivity. Between 2000 and 2004, the focus was heavily on voice and basic connection, with the company rolling out 2G sites to cover the masses.
The Data Era: GPRS, 3G, and The Fibre Revolution (2004–2010)
While voice was king in the early 2000s, the data revolution began quietly.
- 2004: The introduction of GPRS allowed for early mobile internet access, though speeds were modest.
- 2008: This was a significant leap. Safaricom launched its 3G network, bringing speeds of up to 21 Mbps.
However, the real game-changer for the Kenyan internet ecosystem occurred around 2009/2010 with the arrival of the undersea fibre optic cables. The document highlights the landing of TEAMS (The East African Marine System), a 5,500km cable that drastically reduced reliance on satellite for connectivity. This infrastructure backbone was essential for the high-speed internet we enjoy today.
The Speed Wars: 4G LTE and VoLTE (2014)
By 2014, the demand for data streaming and faster uploads was skyrocketing. Safaricom became the first to launch 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) in Kenya.
This rollout wasn’t just about raw speed; it was about capacity and efficiency:
- Carrier Aggregation: The network utilised LTE Advanced, which aggregated different spectrum bands to boost data capacity.
- VoLTE: In the same period, Safaricom introduced Voice over LTE (VoLTE), allowing for High Definition (HD) voice calls and simultaneous voice and data usage.
The Pivot to Fintech: The M-PESA Story (2007–Present)
No history of Safaricom is complete without M-PESA. Launched in March 2007, M-PESA was initially conceived for microfinance loan repayments. However, the market dictated a different path.
The service rapidly evolved into a “send money home” tool, disrupting the traditional banking sector. It allowed a vast network of agents and shopkeepers to act as human ATMs, enabling users to convert cash to digital float and back again.
In 2021, the evolution continued with the launch of the M-PESA Super App, signalling a shift from a basic SIM toolkit menu to a full-fledged lifestyle platform. Today, the platform supports robust APIs for business and has become a regional export for financial inclusion.
The Future: 5G and the “TechCo” Vision (2022–2025)
The most recent major milestone in infrastructure was the launch of 5G in 2022. This network layer is designed to support heavy data processing and the Internet of Things (IoT), moving beyond just connecting phones to connecting devices and industries.
Looking ahead, Safaricom has set a strategic goal to transition from a traditional telecommunications operator into a purpose-led technology company (“TechCo”) by 2025. This strategy focuses on enhancing customer experience and leveraging technology to create new opportunities in health, agriculture, and education.
