The High Court has rescheduled the delivery of its verdict on the government’s proposed sale of a 15 percent stake in Safaricom to September 15, 2026, at 11 a.m. The delay is attributed to the large volume and complexity of documents submitted in the case.
Justice Francis Gikonyo, presiding over a three-judge panel, explained that the bench has dedicated significant time, including late-night sessions, to prepare the judgment. However, meticulous examination of the extensive evidence is necessary to address all raised issues comprehensively.
Apologizing for the postponement, Justice Gikonyo emphasized that the extension aligns with the constitutional principle of judicial accountability, ensuring a thorough and well-considered ruling.
Background and Reactions
- The case challenges the government's plan to divest its 15 percent stake in Safaricom, a major and strategic Kenyan company.
- Previously, the Court of Appeal lifted a High Court injunction that had temporarily blocked the sale, allowing the transaction to proceed while legal questions remain unresolved.
- Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, present during the hearing, welcomed the extension, noting the nation's keen interest in the outcome and the necessity for the court to take adequate time.
The judgment expected on September 15 will clarify the legal framework surrounding the share sale and potentially impact the future of the government’s stake in Safaricom.
