Khalwale Urges Safaricom to Lower Fuliza and Data Costs After Posting Record KSh42.8 Billion Profit

Kakamega County Senator Boniface Khalwale has called out Safaricom over what he terms “profiteering” at the expense of ordinary Kenyans, following the company’s announcement of record-breaking profits. Speaking through his X account on Friday, November 7, 2025, Khalwale questioned how the telecom giant continues to post massive earnings while millions of citizens struggle with the high cost of living.

Safaricom Group Plc reported a profit of KSh42.8 billion for the half-year ending September 31, 2025, an impressive 52 percent jump from the previous period. The figures mark one of the highest half-year profits ever recorded by a Kenyan company.

Why Is Khalwale Criticizing Safaricom’s Charges?

In a firm statement, Khalwale said Safaricom’s profits were “obscene” and proof of “profiteering” that unfairly exploits everyday users who rely on Fuliza, M-Pesa, and mobile data services.

“Kenyans deserve protection from this exploitation! Obscene profits like these are clearly a case of profiteering that can exist only in a black market. The cost of data, Fuliza, and M-Pesa must be drastically cut,” Khalwale stated.

He urged the government and regulators to step in and ensure Safaricom lowers the cost of its financial and data services, which he believes continue to burden low-income households. His remarks have sparked widespread online debate, with many Kenyans echoing his concerns and others defending Safaricom’s business success as a reflection of a thriving private sector.

How Did Safaricom Achieve Its Record Profits?

Safaricom’s strong performance was driven by growth in Kenya and reduced losses in its Ethiopian operations. Safaricom Kenya recorded KSh194.08 billion in service revenue, marking a 9.3 percent year-on-year increase. Earnings before interest and taxes rose by 13.1 percent to KSh89.5 billion, while net income surged 22.6 percent to KSh58.28 billion.

The gains were largely powered by the continued expansion of mobile data and M-Pesa transactions, two pillars of the company’s profitability. In Ethiopia, Safaricom also made progress, with service revenue rising 136 percent to KSh6.28 billion, indicating strong subscriber growth despite ongoing investment costs.

Overall, the group’s total service revenue reached KSh199.98 billion, with earnings before interest and taxes climbing 54.5 percent to KSh65.2 billion. Industry experts have attributed this success to Safaricom’s solid fundamentals and strategic foresight, especially in diversifying operations across East Africa.

However, critics like Khalwale maintain that such impressive profits must benefit consumers directly through reduced data and transaction charges. As the debate continues, attention now shifts to whether Safaricom and relevant regulators will respond to growing calls for fairer pricing in Kenya’s telecommunications sector.

By Modester Nasimiyu